Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Environmental indices'
To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Environmental indices.
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'Environmental indices.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Parker, Jonathan Duguid Edward. "Environmental reporting and environmental indices." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 1991. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.358483.
Full text
2
Leung, Wai-shun Wilson. "Ecological water quality indices in environmental management /." View the Table of Contents & Abstract, 2006. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B3712058X.
Full text
3
Leung, Wai-shun Wilson, and 梁威信. "Ecological water quality indices in environmental management." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2006. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B45013482.
Full text
4
Catalán, Alemany Ignacio. "Condition Indices and their Relationship with Environmental Factors in Fish Larvae." Doctoral thesis, Universitat de Barcelona, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/1422.
Full textAbstract:
The high variability in the recruitment of marine fishes is probably explained by small fluctuations in the mortality rates of early developmental stages. A popular proxy for the potential mortality of fish larvae is the study of nutritional condition (or simply "condition"). According to the growth-mortality hypothesis, a lowered condition has a high associated probability of total mortality.This thesis offers new information on several aspects of nutritional condition and growth indices, by working on two main lines:
1) Laboratory Studies: Three main types of condition indices were investigated in larvae of a well-known laboratory-reared species (sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax). Acknowledging for the species-specificity of condition indices, this experimental Chapter was devoted to the study of various properties of morphometric, histological and biochemical indices, in response to several feeding schemes. Also, effort was placed in the improvement of some of the indices and the study of their relationship with survival in the laboratory.
In the last Section of this Chapter (comparative analysis), a model to relate potential survival with the different indices is proposed.
2) Field Studies: the relationships between environmental variables, nutritional status and growth of Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum 1972) larvae in an area of the Catalan Sea (NW Mediterranean) were studied. Pilchard is the most abundant commercial pelagic fish species in the NW Med. Despite its economic importance and the known decline of the stock since 1993, the studies on possible links between environmental conditions and pilchard early life history are hardly developed in this area.
The field studies were based on three oceanographic cruises conducted in November 1998, February 1999 and November 1999. Firstly, biotic and abiotic environmental variables were related to larval distribution, abundance and size-structure. Secondly, the nutritional condition and growth was studied in two of the cruises. Environmental variables considered at each station included potential food, fluorescence, temperature, salinity and the maximum Brünt-Väisälä frequency. Long-term growth was analysed through otolith analyses and muscle fibre growth patterns. Condition was studied through hystological an biochemical (protein ad RNA/DNA ratios) indices. The possible effect of environmental variables on potential survival is discussed.
The main conclusions of the thesis were:
LABORATORY STUDIES
1)Morphometric indices proved useful in distinguishing the shape of larvae subjected to differing feeding conditions. This was done through multivariate analysis on variables from which the effect of size had been completely removed, whilst incorporating the information on allometry.
2)The quantitative determination of muscle fibre separation (MFS) showed to be the best histological method (within those tested) to detect a suboptimal nutritional state.
3)The RNA/DNA ratio is more appropriate in detecting a nutritional deficiency in post-flexion than in pre-flexion larvae.
4)Within the biochemical indices studied in post-flexion larvae subjected to a short-term food deprivation and re-feeding, the RNA/DNA and the LDH/DNA ratios are considered particularly useful.
5)In post-flexion larvae subjected to 2 days of fast, the cell proliferation rate measured in the muscle was significantly lower than in Fed larvae. This was not observed in the brain, which is more conservative to the food withdrawal.
6)The comparison of morphometric, histological and biochemical indices shows that, in pre-flexion larvae, the quantitative determination of muscle fibre separation is the index that soonest detects the effect of food deprivation. For the same age-range, the RNA/DNA yields the maximum correct discrimination percentage (100%). In this study, the MFS was the condition index that held the best correspondence with larval mortality.
7)The larval susceptibility to mortality at sea may be more related to those deficiencies that involve organs or tissues that are of crucial importance for feeding behaviour, escape response or maintenance of floatability, like the muscle. It is here proposed an scheme of how indices could be weighted in order to relate them with survival potential.
FIELD STUDIES
8)In November 1998, certain environmental characteristics were found to be positively associated with nutritional condition of S.pilchardus, measured through histological and RNA/DNA indices. These areas can be characterised by an optimum "environmental window" defined by temperature values under 19ºC, values of the Brunt-Väissälä (B-V) water stability index under 0.8 cycles h-1 and values of potential food abundance over 4.5 nauplii l-1 and 5.5 individuals l-1 of the rest of the microzooplankton. The variables that best related to larval condition were the B-V index and the amount of potential food. Moreover, the larval abundance was higher in those areas. Therefore, it is considered that larval survival would be enhanced in these areas.
9)In February 1999 the eggs and larval abundance was lower than in November 1998.
10)The long-term growth studied through otolith analyses suggests that larval growth was enhanced in November 1998 with respect to February 1999. This result was confirmed by the analysis of the muscle fibre growth patterns. Condition was also better in November 1998, although the February data were less clear.
11)The measures of growth and condition showed a general coincident pattern. The analysis of muscle growth patterns suggests that in pilchard larvae growth is hypertrophic until 6-7 mm SL, becoming hyperplastic at least until 13.5 mm SL. Within the histological measures studied, the MFS was the most informative. The RNA/DNA appeared more useful in larvae over 8-10 mm SL.
12)The amount of larvae in the November 1998 and February 1999 cruises was anomalously low for the time of the year. Hydrographic conditions during both cruises were highly unusual, exhibiting high stratification in November and an inverted salinity pattern in February. The presence of a mesoscale anticyclonic eddy of new AW, that remained in the area from October 1998 to February 1999, is thought to account for the unusual hydrographic conditions and the low numbers of eggs and larvae in some areas.
13)Overall, the data on larval abundance, nutritional condition and environmental characteristics suggest that the spawning season autumn 1998-winter 1999 was characterised by a low larval production of this species. It is concluded, from the joint interpretation of all data, that putative larval survival would be the result of a reduced spawning and nutritional condition in some areas and periods, and a reduced growth in the winter cruise.
5
Daalmans, Ronald J. G. "The application of LCA impact assessment to environmental performance indices : a comparative study." Thesis, University of Stirling, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/1893/2226.
Full textAbstract:
A wide variety of assessment techniques are presently available to quantify the environmental performance of an organisation. They are predominantly site- or area-specific, making them sensitive to differences in the environmental capacity of an area, and they exclude a number of global impacts. A more generic level-plane assessment tool, which quantifies the environmental burden, may therefore be needed to make a valid comparison between organisations. Furthermore, the generic process data used in these assessment tools, to inform policy decisions on a material or product, does not recognise the potential variation in burden of a sector. This thesis develops a corporate level-plane assessment tool using the techniques available from Life Cycle Assessment. This generic tool, the Total Environmental Potency Index (TEPI), is then compared with the Environment Agency's Integrated Environmental Index (IEI), to assess the significance of site location on compliance based site-specific indices like the IEI. The two indices are compared using realworld emission data from seven industrial collaborators in five sectors. Two of these, paper manufacture and power generation, are used to assess the potential variability among processes within the same sector. The potential use of the indices is also determined by examining the accessibility to the required data at each of the participating companies. The results show that site location significantly affects the IEI and that the TEPI can provide a useful generic impact assessment tool to compare sites from different locations or sectors. The burdens from processes within the same sector were highly variable, suggesting that process-specific data will be important if valid policy decisions are to be made in the future. The TEPI and its categories can provide a standard format for aggregating and presenting the required emission data in a way that protects its commercial sensitivity. Although the accessibility to this data was low to moderate, the potential for deriving emission data using mass balance studies was high, with a large amount of accessible input data available. The implications of these results for the use of internal and external impact assessment techniques within an organisation are discussed. A framework is provided to guide the use of process data and impact assessment techniques in the wide range of assessments made by organisations to manage and report on their environmental performance. Finally, the experiences gained from using the IEI and TEPI are used to make recommendations for their improvement, and further development by research.
6
Van, Gaalen Kenneth Eric, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Photosynthetic CO2 exchange and spectral vegetation indices of boreal mosses." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2005, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/293.
Full textAbstract:
Moss dominated ecosystems are an important part of the global terrestrial carbon cycle. Over large areas, remote sensing can be useful to provide an improved understanding of these ecosystems. Two boreal mossess (Pleurozium and Sphagnum) were assessed using remote sensing based spectral vegetation indices for estimating biochemical capacity and photosynthetic efficiency by varying net photosynthesis rate via changes in water content. In the laboratory, changes in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and chlorophyll index coincided with declining photosynthetic capacity due to desiccation. This effect was more dramatic in Sphagnum. The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) did not vary with changes in CO2 supply as anticipated, possibly due to overriding effects of changing water content. The water band index (WBI) was strongly related to water content but this relationship showed an uncoupling in the field. Bi-directional reflectance measurements indicated what WBI was sensitive to sensor, sun, and moss surface slope angles.xi, 110 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm.
7
Miura, Tomoaki. "Evaluation and characterization of vegetation indices with error/uncertainty analysis for EOS-MODIS." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/284157.
Full textAbstract:
A set of error/uncertainty analyses were performed on several "improved" vegetation indices (VIs) planned for operational use in the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) VI products onboard the Terra (EOS AM-1) and Aqua (EOS PM-1) satellite platforms. The objective was to investigate the performance and accuracy of the satellite-derived VI products under improved sensor characteristics and algorithms. These include the "atmospheric resistant" VIs that incorporate the "blue" band for normalization of aerosol effects and the most widely-used, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The analyses were conducted to evaluate specifically: (1) the impact of sensor calibration uncertainties on VI accuracies, (2) the capabilities of the atmospheric resistant VIs and various middle-infrared (MIR) derived VIs to minimize smoke aerosol contamination, and (3) the performances of the atmospheric resistant VIs under "residual" aerosol effects resulting from the assumptions in the MODIS aerosol correction algorithm. The results of these studies showed both the advantages and disadvantages of using the atmospheric resistant VIs for operational vegetation monitoring. The atmospheric resistant VIs successfully minimized optically thin aerosol smoke contamination (aerosol optical thickness (AOT) at 0.67 μm < 1.0) but not optically thick smoke (AOT at 0.67 μm > 1.0). On the other hand, their resistances to "residual" aerosol effects were greater when the effects resulted from the correction of optically-thick aerosol atmosphere. The atmospheric resistant VIs did not successfully minimize the residual aerosol effects from optically-thin aerosol atmosphere (AOT at 0.67 μm ≤ ∼0.15), which was caused mainly by the possible wrong choice of aerosol model used for the AOT estimation and correction. The resultant uncertainties of the atmospheric resistant Vls associated with calibration, which were twice as large as that of the NDVI, increased with increasing AOT. These results suggest that the atmospheric resistant VIs be computed from partially (Rayleigh/O₃) corrected reflectances under normal atmospheric conditions (e.g., visibility > 10 km). Aerosol corrections should only be performed when biomass burning, urban/industrial pollution, and dust storms (larger AOT) are detected.
8
Vlasova, O. V. "Particular paraclinical indices in newborn sepsis patients whose parents constantly lived in different environmental conditions." Thesis, БДМУ, 2021. http://dspace.bsmu.edu.ua:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/19161.
Full text
9
Braganza, Karl 1971. "Climate change detection and attribution using simple global indices." Monash University, School of Mathematical Sciences, 2002. http://arrow.monash.edu.au/hdl/1959.1/7783.
Full text
10
Liu, Huidong. "Environmental change in former and present Karner Blue butterfly habitats." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1210181611.
Full text
11
Madi, Rubens Riscala. "Utilização dos helmintos parasitos de Geophagus brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) (Cichlidae; Perciformes) como indicadores ambientais." [s.n.], 2005. http://repositorio.unicamp.br/jspui/handle/REPOSIP/315269.
Full textAbstract:
Orientador: Marlene Tiduko UetaTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia
Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-04T12:58:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Madi_RubensRiscala_D.pdf: 9621964 bytes, checksum: 62171358c6dd9c0bf0ceb26ed12fd16c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005
Resumo: Alguns parasitos de peixes podem ser utilizados como indicadores da qualidade e saúde ambiental. Por fazerem parte de uma complexa cadeia de relações os hospedeiros intermediários e paratênicos, geralmente pequenos e delicados, variam seus níveis populacionais conforme o tipo de poluente refletindo em alterações do parasitismo em peixes. A escolha de uma espécie de peixe como bio-indicador é fator fundamental para a correta utilização dessa ferramenta de análise ambienta!. Neste trabalho foram comparados os parasitismos do peixe Geophagus brasiliensis (Cichlidae, Perciformes) em dois reservatórios com diferentes níveis de influência antrópica e eutrofização. Foram verificados os helmintos parasitos cavitários, teciduais e de brânquias. Foram calculados os índices de diversidade de Simpson e de Shannon, o índice de uniformidade de HiII, os coeficientes de associação de Jaccard, de Dice e de Ochiai e as variações nas taxas de prevalência e intensidade média de infecção. Para o modelo adotado, os índices que melhor refletiram a influência do tipo de ambiente e as variações ocasionadas dentro destes ambientes foram a prevalência e a intensidade média de infecção. Os resultados obtidos com os índices de associação demonstraram a independência das relações entre os helmintos parasitos encontrados. Através dos cálculos das prevalências e intensidades médias de infecção os parasitos podem ser utilizados como indicadores de alterações ambientais (metacercárias de Clinostomum sp. e Ancyrocephalinae) e indicadores faunísticos em ambientes distintos (metacestódeos de Proteocephalidea e Cyclophyllidea e o nematódeo Procamallanus peraccuratus). Foram encontradas também larvas de Contracaecum sp. cujos resultados não foram suficientes para uma conclusão sobre o seu papel como indicador ambienta!
Abstract: Some parasites of fishes can be utilized as indicators of water quality and environmental health. As intermediate and paratenic hosts, generally small and delicate, belonging to a complex relationship chain, they must vary their population in accordance to the variety of pollutant, reflects in alteration of parasitism in fishes. The choice of the fish specie as bio-indicator is a essential factor to a correct utilization as toei of environmental analysis. In this work, it was compared the parasitism of Geophagus brasiliensis (Cichlidae, Perciformes) in two rese rvo i r with different levels os antropic influence and eutrophication. The cavities, tissular and gill helminths parasites were verified. The Simpson's and Shannon's diversity indices, the HiII's evenness index, the Jaccard's, Dice's and Ochiai's interespecific association indices and the variations in prevalence and mean intensity of infection were calculated. To the model adopted the indices that better reflected the influence of environmental type and the variations that occurred inside the environment were the prevalence and intensity of infection. The interespecific association indices demonstrate the independence of relations among the helminths parasites. Through the estimate of prevalence and mean intensity of infection indices, the parasites can be utilized as indicators of environmental changes (metacercariae of Clinostomum sp. and Ancyrocephalinae) and faunistics indicators of distincts environments (metacestodes of Proteocephalidea and Cyclophyllidea and the nematode Procamallanus peraccuratus). Larvae of Contracaecum sp. were also found, whose resulting were not sufficient to a conclusion about its function as environmental indicator
Doutorado
Parasitologia
Doutor em Parasitologia
12
Remmal, Taoufik. "Etude métallogènique des indices wolframifères du district de Hassiane Diab, région d'Oujda (Maroc nord oriental)." Phd thesis, Institut National Polytechnique de Lorraine - INPL, 1989. http://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00745438.
Full textAbstract:
Cette étude concerne le district minier d'Hassiane Diab qui constitue jusqu'à présent le seul indice considérable de la minéralisation à tungstène du Maroc oriental, exprimé en l'occurence sous forme de wolframite liée à des filons de quartz.
13
Turicchia, Eva. "Citizen science as a tool for the environmental quality assessment of the Mediterranean coastal habitats." Master's thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2015. http://amslaurea.unibo.it/8748/.
Full textAbstract:
The growing need to assess the environmental status of the Mediterranean coastal marine habitats and the large availability of data collected by Reef Check Italia onlus (RCI) volunteers suggest the possibility to develop innovative and reliable indices that may support decision makers in applying conservation strategies. The aims of this study were to check the reliability of data collected by RCI volunteers, analyse the spatial and temporal distribution of RCI available data, resume the knowledge on the biology and ecology of the monitored species, and develop innovative indices to asses the ecological quality of Mediterranean subtidal rocky shores and coralligenous habitats. Subtidal rocky shores and coralligenous were chosen because these are the habitats more attractive for divers; therefore mlst data are referring to them, moreover subtidal rocky bottom are strongly affected by coastal urbanisation, land use, fishing and tourist activities, that increase pollution, turbidity and sedimentation. Non-indigenous species (NIS) have been recognized as a major threat to the integrity of Mediterranean native communities because of their proliferation, spread and impact on resident communities. Monitoring of NIS’ spreading dynamics at the basin spatial scale is difficult but urgent.
According to a field test, the training provided by RCI appears adequate to obtain reliable data by volunteers. Based on data collected by RCI volunteers, three main categories of indices were developed: indices based on species diversity, indices on the occurrence non-indigenous species, and indices on species sensitive toward physical, chemical and biological disturbances. As case studies, indices were applied to stretches of coastline defined according to management criteria (province territories and marine protected areas). The assessments of ecological quality in the Tavolara Marine Protected Area using the species sensitivities index were consisten with those previously obtained with traditional methods.
14
Zhang, Liang. "Classification and ranking of environmental recordings to facilitate efficient bird surveys." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2017. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/107097/1/Liang_Zhang_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis contributes novel computer-assisted techniques to facilitating bird species surveys from a large number of environmental audio recordings. These techniques are applicable to both manual and automated recognition of bird species by removing irrelevant audio data and prioritising those relevant data for efficient bird species detection. This work also represents a significant step towards using automated techniques to support experts and the general public to explore and gain a better understanding of vocal species.
15
Hauton, Christopher. "An investigation of potential immunological and metabolic indices of environmental water quality in the shore crab, Carcinus maenas." Thesis, University of Southampton, 1995. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.296142.
Full text
16
Thomas, Jafra D. "Exerciser self-image and indices of health-related physical fitness." Scholarly Commons, 2014. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/310.
Full textAbstract:
Self-belief about exercise strongly influences people's exercise behavior. This relationship may have significant impact on health-related physical fitness and help to address the exercise behavior deficit in the US. However, it is not known if self-belief about exercise significantly impacts physical fitness levels. The purpose of this study was to identify self-beliefs about exercise and determine if these beliefs influence behaviors and result in greater levels of physical fitness. Exercise self-schema theory is a social cognitive psychological theory that is uniquely capable at explaining and predicting chronic exercise behaviors. It posits that established self-images are based on cognitive generalizations about the "self" creates a very powerful and prevailing impetus to behave in ways that correspond with established self-images. Preliminary research has found self-images (also called self-schemas) concerning exercise to more reliably predict both exercise intention and reported exercise behavior better than beliefs concerning exercise alone. In the present study we sought to evaluate whether exercise self-schema theory could differentiate levels of health-related physical fitness in college students. We also included gender as an independent variable to investigate gender-specific behavioral predictability of the theory. The results of this study revealed a significant link between exercise self-schema classification and indices of health-related physical fitness. This link existed independent of gender. In this study exerciser schematics were found to be significantly more physically fit, leaner, and to exercise at significantly greater frequency than individuals not classified as exerciser schematics. These findings provide preliminary evidence that exerciser self-schema is positively associated with increased physical fitness. These results could inform strategies oriented toward modifying exercise behaviors to reduce hypokinetic risk factors for disease.
17
Gao, Xiang. "Optical-biophysical relationships and validation of MODIS vegetation indices with multiple fine spatial resolution data in semiarid rangelands." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/279915.
Full textAbstract:
The vegetation index products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are designed to provide consistent, spatial and temporal comparisons of global vegetation conditions. The objective of this dissertation was to validate the robustness and global implementation of two MODIS VI algorithms, including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and "enhanced" vegetation index (EVI). Their performances have been evaluated in: (1) the normalization of canopy background (brightness) variations and the extraction of biophysical parameters across different canopy structures; (2) the characterization of seasonal vegetation profiles (phenological, intra-annual); and (3) spatial and temporal discrimination of vegetation differences (inter-annual). The validation was accomplished through multiple means, including canopy radiative transfer models which were utilized to extract pure vegetation spectra and "true" VI value free of background contamination for varying canopy structures and vegetation amount. The experimental field- and airborne-based radiometry and satellite imagery at multiple spatial resolutions were also coupled and scaled-up for comparison with coarse spatial resolution MODIS VI products to quantify characteristics of semiarid rangeland vegetation. The results showed that NDVI was advantageous in yielding biophysical relationships applicable across varying canopy types, but required knowledge of soils for biophysical estimations. The EVI provided biophysical relationships sensitive to canopy structure, thus requiring knowledge of canopy type for biophysical assessments. The MODIS VI products were successfully validated, radiometrically, by coupling field and the MODLAND Quick Airborne Looks (MQUALS) observations to high spatial resolution imagery (AVIRIS and ETM+), and appeared robust across the two parallel sites for depicting their ecological equivalents. MODIS multitemporal VI profiles were able to depict phenological activity, length of the growing season, peak and onset of greenness, and leaf turnover. Among the sensors tested, spatial resolution was found to be most important for discriminating the major land cover subtypes within the two parallel semiarid rangelands, and spectral resolution had major effects on capturing seasonal contrast due to atmosphere influences. The validation strategy utilized in this study to successively aggregate the integrity-inherent multiple fine spatial resolution data to the coarse MODIS pixel sizes appeared to perform well, thus showing potentials in the validation of other satellite products.
18
Elias, Carlos Guillermo. "Balancing competing development objectives in the Trifinio region of Central America: economic and social development and environmental protection." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/28958.
Full textAbstract:
This dissertation contains three related papers. The first paper revisits the concept of integrated rural development and provides examples on how to design balanced development work programs for the Trifinio region, a small rural region shared by 3 Central American countries. Work programs should balance 3 development objectives: economic development, social development and environmental protection. Finding a balance between these 3 competing objectives is difficult. The literature of Sustainable Development recognizes that policy makers often fail to balance objectives while the Integrated Rural Development literature points out the challenges of combining the objectives in a manageable project. We argue that, by focusing on identifying sources of economic friction and by accurately measuring tradeoffs using appropriate tools, we can design sound work programs. We present a toolkit that allows policy makers to identify sources of economic friction, measure their drag on the economy, and prioritize these sources so as to reduce the frictions that slow rural development. The toolkit contains 4 tools to assist in program design and 1 for implementation. GIS and building municipal indices of outcomes, household surveys, conjoint analysis and economic field experiments, are the tools that we have applied to design work programs in the Trifinio. In addition, balanced programs must be multi-dimensional in scope so we propose a tool that focuses on the institutional setup required for successful program execution. Finally we make policy recommendations and suggest additional tools that may also be added to our tool kit.
In the second paper we create municipal indices of agricultural value of production, personal consumption and poverty in the Trifinio region of Central America with the objective of using them to guide investment priorities. Our indices synthesize information from the complex economic, social and geographic system of this region. In this respect we depart from established practices of estimating indicesâ for outcomes such as competitivenessâ that select factors and create the index by adding them up. The established practice follows a normative approach because the index results from adding factors that should have an impact on the outcome. In this context the index author does not observe the outcome or the impact of factors; and does not know the functional relationship between factors and outcome. The author assumes all the information to create indices. Our methodology follows a positive approach and departs from the established practice because we estimate the outcome and identify factors that have an impact on it. To do it we use household survey and municipal level data to estimate determinants of agricultural value of production, consumption and poverty for the 45 municipalities in the Trifinio region. We then show how to identify municipalities in greatest need, identify factors of greatest impact on the outcome, and identify complementary activities. In addition we use GIS to develop a method that allows for the â generationâ of missing agricultural-related data by extrapolating high quality yet limited information from a subsection of the region to the whole. The data generated has been validated in the field by agriculture experts thus confirming the legitimacy of this innovation. Finally we offer policy recommendations.
The final paper presents an economic model of group formation with an application to data collected from an agricultural credit program in western Honduras. We formulate a simple theory of group formation using the concept of centers of gravity to explain why individuals join a group. According to our theory, prospective members join based on the potential benefits and costs of group membership, and based on their perception of social distance between themselves and other group members. Social distance is unobservable by outsiders but known by the individual: if you are in then you know who has blue hair. Thus, we argue that social distance helps explain preferences for group formation. To test our theory we analyze data collected from members and non-members of PRODERT, a program that has helped create 188 â Cajas Ruralesâ (CRs). Using conjoint analysis we test for differences in preferences between members and non-members for the main attributes of the CR. We find that members and non-members exhibit similar preferences for the attributes of the CR; therefore non-membership is not related to supply factors. Using information gathered by executing field experiments, we estimate a proxy for social distance. We use this proxy to run a group formation equation and find that it explains, along with individual characteristics, participation in the CR. Finally we offer suggestions on how to balance performance and coverage in programs in which beneficiaries decide who joins. Small cohesive groups may show exceptional performance at the cost of low coverage, and the opposite may be true.Ph. D.
19
Vander, Laan Jacob J. "Environmental Assessment of Streams: Linking Land Use, Instream Stressors, and Biological Indices to Infer Likely Causes of Ecological Impairment." DigitalCommons@USU, 2012. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/1340.
Full textAbstract:
To protect and restore the biological integrity of streams, we need to be able to both detect biological degradation and infer likely causes of impairment. Managers often use biological indices to measure biological condition and detect degradation. However, the ability to detect degradation can be limited by the performance of the indices we develop. Index performance varies widely, but the sources of this variation are often unclear. In addition, although bioassessments are useful tools for detecting biological degradation, they do not identify stressors associated with impairment. My thesis research had two general goals: 1) develop statistically and ecologically robust indices to measure biological condition in Nevada streams and 2) quantify relationships between land uses, stressors, and biological condition to infer likely causes of degradation.
I developed two biological indices for Nevada streams, a multimetric index (MMI) and observed to expected (O/E) taxa ratios, and determined if index performance was related to site isolation and sample evenness. The Nevada O/E indices were relatively imprecise compared with those from other regions, which likely results from low assemblage predictability associated with spatial isolation of aquatic habitats in arid regions. In contrast, the Nevada MMI was more precise than most previously developed MMIs, likely the result of using models to reduce natural variation in index scores. Sample evenness was positively associated with both O/E and MMI scores. Adjustments of index scores for sample evenness increased index precision, but also altered relative differences in index values and therefore inferences of biological impairment at specific sites.
I also quantified relationships between biological condition, instream stressors, and land uses and used a weight of evidence approach to infer likely causes of degradation. Land uses such as agriculture, urbanization, and mining were associated with the spatial distributions of instream stressors, and these stressors were associated with variation in biological condition. Total dissolved solids and metal contamination were the stressors most strongly associated with biological condition. By detecting biological degradation and identifying important stressors and their potential sources, the tools I developed should help managers target conservation and restoration efforts and improve their ability to protect freshwater resources.
20
Fair, Heather Lynne. "Headwater Landscape Variations and Biodiversity: Applicability of Ohio Habitat Evaluation Indices in a Glacier Catchment of the Mekong River." The Ohio State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1274280051.
Full text
21
Ochieng, Anne Achieng. "The relationship between environmental exposures to pesticides measured by means of environmental exposure indices and the anthropomentric outcomes of boys living on farms in the rural Western Cape." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/12169.
Full textAbstract:
Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.
Few epidemiological studies have investigated the effect of pesticides on growth of boys and results are conflicting. Pesticide environmental exposure indices have not previously been developed. To investigate the effect of pesticide exposure using environmental exposure indices on pubertal growth of boys...
22
Aralova, Dildora, Kristina Toderich, Ben Jarihani, Dilshod Gafurov, Liliya Gismatulina, Babatunde A. Osunmadewa, and Abualgasim Majdaldin Rahamtallah. "Environmental resilience of rangeland ecosystems: Assessment drought indices and vegetation trends on arid and semi-arid zones of Central Asia." SPIE, 2016. https://tud.qucosa.de/id/qucosa%3A35118.
Full textAbstract:
The Central Asian (CA) rangelands is a part of the arid and semi-arid ecological zones and spatial extent of drylands in CA (Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan) is vast. Projections averaged across a suite of climate models, as measured between 1950-2012 by Standardised Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) estimated a progressively increasing drought risks across rangelands (Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) especially during late summer and autumn periods, another index: Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) indicated drought anomalies for Turkmenistan and partly in Uzbekistan (between 1950-2000). On this study, we have combined a several datasets of drought indices ( SPIE, PET, temperature_ToC and precipitation_P) for better estimation of resilience/non-resilience of the ecosystems after warming the temperature in the following five countries, meanwhile, warming of climate causing of increasing rating of degradations and extension of desertification in the lowland and foothill zones of the landscape and consequently surrounding experienced of a raising balance of evapotranspiration (ET0). The study concluded, increasing drought anomalies which is closely related with raising (ET0) in the lowland and foothill zones of CA indicated on decreasing of NDVI indices with occurred sandy and loamy soils it will resulting a loss of vegetation diversity (endangered species) and raising of wind speeds in lowlands of CA, but on regional level especially towards agricultural intensification (without rotation) it indicated no changes of greenness index. It was investigated to better interpret how vegetation feedback modifies the sensitivity of drought indices associated with raising tendency of air temperature and changes of cold and hot year seasons length in the territory of CA.
23
Becker, Wayne. "Effect of Rancher’s Management Philosophy, Grazing Practices, and Personal Characteristics on Sustainability Indices for North Central Texas Rangeland." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2011. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc103289/.
Full textAbstract:
To assess sustainability of privately owned rangeland, a questionnaire was used to gathered data from ranches in Cooke, Montague, Clay, Wise, Parker, and Jack counties in North Central Texas. Information evaluated included: management philosophy, economics, grazing practices, environmental condition, quality of life, and demographics. Sustainability indices were created based on economic and land health indicator variables meeting a minimum Cronbach‘s alpha coefficient (α = 0.7). Hierarchical regression analysis was used to create models explaining variance in respondents’ indices scores. Five predictors explained 36% of the variance in rangeland economic sustainability index when respondents: 1) recognized management inaction has opportunity costs affecting economic viability; 2) considered forbs a valuable source of forage for wildlife or livestock; 3) believed governmental assistance with brush control was beneficial; 4) were not absentee landowners and did not live in an urban area in Texas, and; 5) valued profit, productivity, tax issues, family issues, neighbor issues or weather issues above that of land health. Additionally, a model identified 5 predictors which explained 30% of the variance for respondents with index scores aligning with greater land health sustainability. Predictors indicated: 1) fencing cost was not an obstacle for increasing livestock distribution; 2) land rest was a component of grazing plans; 3) the Natural Resource Conservation Service was used for management information; 4) fewer acres were covered by dense brush or woodlands, and; 5) management decisions were not influenced by friends. Finally, attempts to create an index and regression analysis explaining social sustainability was abandoned, due to the likely-hood of type one errors. These findings provide a new line of evidence in assessing rangeland sustainability, supporting scientific literature concerning rangeland sustainability based on ranch level indicators. Compared to measuring parameters on small plots, the use of indices allows for studying replicated whole- ranch units using rancher insight. Use of sustainability indices may prove useful in future rangeland research activities.
24
Karlsson, Jesper, and Malm Simon Sääf. "INDEXICAL STORYTELLING : A story without words." Thesis, Högskolan i Skövde, Institutionen för informationsteknologi, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-20047.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of this study is to investigate how indexical storytelling in a 3D scene could affect the players understanding of narrative and how they navigate the scene. The background of the study presents what indexical storytelling is and goes briefly into color interpretation.To answer how indexical storytelling affects players a 3D scene was made, containing indexical objects which the 10 participants could go through and explore in semi-structured qualitative interviews. This was to see if the participants understood the narrative of the scene and the similarities or dissimilarities between people with experience in different game genres.The result showed a possible tendency in the participants understanding the narrative of the scene. But additional studies and participants are required to be able to come to any larger scale conclusion or generalizations.Det finns övrigt digitalt material (t.ex. film-, bild- eller ljudfiler) eller modeller/artefakter tillhörande examensarbetet som ska skickas till arkivet.
25
Lehmann, Adam Clay. "AN ANALYSIS OF RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MODELED HYDROLOGIC/SEDIMENT LOADS AND INDICES OF IN-STREAM PHYSICAL HABITAT QUALITY IN HEADWATER STREAMS OF SOUTHWEST OHIO." Miami University / OhioLINK, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1292959248.
Full text
26
Rubio, Zuazo Ana Maria, and anarubio zuazo@gmail com. "Environmental influences on the sustainable production of the Sydney rock oyster Saccostrea glomerata : a study in two southeastern Australian estuaries." The Australian National University. Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, 2008. http://thesis.anu.edu.au./public/adt-ANU20080618.091057.
Full textAbstract:
There has been a continuous decline in both the production and general performance of the
SRO in NSW estuaries over the past three decades. The relationship of this decline to both
environmental and oyster-density related factors are assessed in this thesis. This question has
been examined at different scales: a large scale that compares two different estuaries (Clyde and
Shoalhaven Rivers, southern NSW); a regional scale that encompasses variations within an
estuary and, at a lease scale that examines processes pertaining to individual or small groups of
oysters. Levels of inorganic nutrients were in general very low potentially limiting primary
production. The limiting nutrient was nitrogen or phosphorus depending on whether long term
conditions were dry or wet, respectively. Only during rain events, through the input of terrestrial
material, were conditions favourable for fast rates of primary production. Carbon and nitrogen
isotope analysis has demonstrated that both external material and local resuspension of the
benthos constitute a major proportion of the SRO diet. The uptake of the various food sources
also varied considerably depending on local environmental conditions. Increases in SRO growth
were strongly correlated to increases in temperature with a low temperature cut-off at ~13°C.
Growth also appeared to reduce considerably when salinities lower than ~15ppt persisted for the
order of a month. These factors may alter growth through changes in filtration rates. These
processes were modelled in a coupled hydrodynamic-NPO (Nitrogen-Phytoplankton-Oyster)
model of the Clyde River. This demonstrated that primary production was more affected by
estuarine dynamics and nutrient concentrations than oyster uptake. At the current levels of
oyster densities, primary production by itself could not account for the observed oyster growth,
however growth became realistic with observed levels of POC added to the model. A set of
environmental indices were used to complement the model and to assess the sustainability of the
culture system. The combined indices indicated that while the ecological carrying capacity of
the Clyde was exceeded the production capacity at an estuarine scale was not. On the lease
scale, density experiments showed that while growth was not reduced as a result of current
stocking densities, the condition index was significantly affected.
27
Kerimoglu, Onur. "Influence Of Large Scale Atmospheric Systems On Hydorology And Ecology Of Turkish Lakes." Master's thesis, METU, 2008. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12609272/index.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Impacts of climatic changes on in-land waters of Turkey is a topic that has not been sufficiently investigated yet. In this study, some exploratory work have been performed to form the core of further studies on the subject. EOF (Empirical Orthogonal Function) analysis has been applied to SLP (Sea Level Pressure) field with a wide coverage (20-70N, 50W-70E). The dominant sources of variability in this atmospheric system have been shown to be driven by 3 circulation indices, NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation), EAWR (East Atlantic - West Russia) and EA (East Atlantic) patterns. Linkages between this atmospheric system and the hydro-meteorological properties (data compiled from governmental organizations) of major Turkish lake ecosystems has been investigated with use of ordinary correlation analysis and CCA (Canonical Correlation Analysis). The results revealed the heavy forcing of large scale SLP field on regional temperature and E--P (evaporation minus precipitation) fields. The 15-year data set of Lake Mogan, as the longest available found, was used to exemplify the approaches and methodologies that can be employed for understanding the influence of climate variability on biological properties of lakes. It was suggested that temperature and salinity, being effective on phytoplankton and zooplankton groups, mediate the climatic impacts in Lake Mogan.
28
Menozzi, Alessandro. "Environmental Management System: Implementation in a construction company." Master's thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2018.
Find full textAbstract:
This thesis expands my work done during my period of internship at Rosetti Marino spa. This work is focused on the environmental management system of the company and in particular on a revision of the planning phase of the EMS and on the creation of some environmental indicators that permit the company to have record of its environmental impact. The thesis is divided in three parts the first one that analyzes the standard that is the basis of the EMS (ISO 14001:2015), the second that analyze the environmental management system itself at the company and the third where the indices I created based on the GRI standards are shown.
29
Quin, Fraser Sinclair. "The use of pesticide ranking indices in the modelling of environmental impacts from pesticide use : a case study of the European apple industry." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/27225.
Full textAbstract:
Agricultural pollution from pesticides is an example of technological externality. In the presence of externalities decision making will probably never be optimal as externalities typically exist outside the decision making process. One of the main problems of incorporating externalities into the decision making process has been a lack of environmental impact data. This thesis examines one methodological approach for identifying the environmental impacts associated with pesticide pollution; pesticide ranking indices. It will discuss the general rationale for the use of pesticide ranking indices, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches and recommend the adoption of one particular model for assessing the impacts associated with pesticide use at a farm and regional level. The model was tested against pesticide use data collected from European apple growing regions to ascertain whether results could be obtained that would be useable and understandable to decision makers at all levels. Accepting that each methodology for identifying the impacts associated with pesticide use has both strengths and weaknesses, improvements in both model structure and data presentation are proposed that render the inclusion of environmental impact information in the decision making process more useable at the farm level. Thus a modified model is presented that, it is argued, can adequately describe some of the external effects associated with pesticide use. This methodology can then be used by regulators wishing to minimise environmental pollution from agriculture and forestry, by identifying an appropriate threshold of acceptance or unacceptable environmental impact.
30
Bell, Maria Aletta. "Monitoring rehabilitation success using remotely sensed vegetation indices at Navachab Gold Mine, Namibia." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/97888.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Remote sensing and vegetation indices were evaluated for its usefulness to monitor the success of the rehabilitation programme of the decommissioned tailings storage facility (TSF1) of the Navachab Gold Mine, Karibib, Namibia. The study aimed to objectively illustrate the rehabilitation progression from tailings (baseline) to soil (capping) and vegetation (planted as well as natural). Baseline data sets of 2004 and 2005 were compared with imagery of 2009, 2010 and 2011. All the images were subjected to panchromatic sharpening using the subtractive resolution merge (SRM) method before georegistration. As no recent accurate topographical maps were available of the study area, the May 2010 image was used as a reference image. All other images were georegistered to this image. A number of vegetation indices (VIs) were evaluated. The results showed that the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the transformed vegetation index (TVI) provided the most promising results. Although the difference vegetation index (DVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) distinguished the vegetation, rock, and soil classes, it was not as successful as the other VIs in classifying the rain water pond. TVI and NDVI were further evaluated for their efficacy in detecting changes. This was done by generating a series of change images and by qualitatively comparing them to false colour images of the same period. Both the NDVI and TVI delivered good results, but it was found that the TVI is more successful when water is present in the images. The research concludes that change analyses based on the TVI is an effective method for monitoring mine rehabilitation programmes.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Afstandswaarneming en plantegroei-indekse is ge-evalueer vir die gebruikswaarde daarvan om sukses van die rehabilitasieprogram vir die geslote slykdam of tailings storage facility (TSF1) van die Navachab Goudmyn, Karibib, Namibië vas te stel. Die studie se doelwit was om die progressie in die rehabilitasie van slyk (basislyn) na grond (dekmateriaal) en plantegroei (aangeplant en natuurlik) te illustreer. Basislyndatastelle 2004 en 2005 is vergelyk met 2009, 2010, en 2011 beelde. Al die beelde is panchromaties verskerp deur die subtractive resolution merge (RSM) metode voor georegistrasie uit te voer. Aangesien geen onlangse, akkurate topografiese kaarte van die studiegebied beskikbaar was nie, is die beeld vir Mei 2010 as ‘n verwysingsbeeld gebruik. Al die ander beelde is op die laasgenoemde beeld gegeoregistreer. Die resultate het gewys dat die normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) en die transformed vegetation index (TVI) die mees belowende resultate lewer. Al het die difference vegetation index (DVI) en enhanced vegetation index (EVI) goed onderskei tussen plantegroeiklasse en grond- en gesteentesklasse was dit nie so suksesvol met die klassifikasie van die reënwaterpoel nie. TVI en NDVI is verder geëvalueer vir effektiwiteit om verandering waar te neem. Dit is gedoen deur ‘n reeks van veranderingsbeelde te skep en dit dan kwalitatief met die valskleur-beelde vir dieselfde tydperk te vergelyk. Beide die NDVI en TVI het goeie resultate gelewer, maar die TVI was meer suksesvol om beelde met water te klassifiseer. Die navorsing lei tot die gevolgtrekking dat veranderingsanalises met die TVI ‘n effektiewe metode vir die monitoring van rehabilitasie programme is.
31
Motswaledi, Mokhine. "Using remote sensing indices to evaluate habitat intactness in the Bushbuckridge area : a key to effective planning." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/96798.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Anthropological influences are threatening the state of many savanna ecosystems in most rural landscapes around the world. Effective monitoring and management of these landscapes requires up to date maps and data on the state of the environment. Degradation data over a range of scales is often not readily available due to a lack of financial resources, time and technical capabilities. The aim of this research was to use a medium resolution multispectral SPOT 5 image from 2010 and Landsat 8 images from 2014 to map habitat intactness in the Bushbuckridge and Kruger National Park (KNP) region. The images were pre-processed and segmented into meaningful image objects using an object based image analysis (OBIA) approach. Five image derivatives namely: brightness, compactness, NIR standard deviation, area and the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) were evaluated for their capability to model habitat intactness. A habitat intactness index was generated by combining the five derivatives and rescaling them to a data range of 0 to 10, with 0 representing completely transformed areas, 10 being undisturbed natural vegetation. Field data were collected in October 2014 using a field assessment form consisting of 10 questions related to ecosystem state, in order to facilitate comparisons with the remote sensing habitat intactness index. Both satellite data sets yielded low overall accuracies below 30%. The results were improved by applying a correction factor to the reference data. The results significantly improved with SPOT 5 producing the highest overall accuracy of 62.6%. The Landsat 8 image for May 2014 achieved an improved accuracy of 60.2%. The SPOT 5 results showed to be a better predictor of habitat intactness as it assigned natural vegetation with better accuracy, while Landsat 8 correctly assigned mostly degraded areas. These findings suggest that the method was not easily transferable between the different satellite sensors in this savanna landscape, with a high occurrence of forest plantations and rural settlements too. These areas caused high omission errors in the reference data, resulting in the moderate overall accuracies obtained. It is recommended that these sites be clipped out of the analysis in order to obtain acceptable accuracies for non-transformed areas. The study nevertheless demonstrated that the habitat intactness index maps derived can be a useful data source for mapping general patterns of degradation especially on a regional scale. Therefore, the methods tested in this study can be integrated in habitat mapping projects for effective conservation planning.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Antropologiese invloede bedreig die toestand van savanna-ekostelsels in die meeste landelike landskappe regoor die wêreld. Doeltreffende monitering en bestuur van hierdie landskappe vereis op datum kaarte en inligting oor die toestand van die omgewing. Agteruitgangsdata van verskillende skale is dikwels nie geredelik beskikbaar nie weens 'n gebrek aan finansiële hulpbronne, tyd en tegniese vermoëns. Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om ‘n hoë resolusie multispektrale SPOT 5 beeld van 2010 en Landsat 8 beelde van 2014 te gebruik om die habitatongeskondenheid in die Bushbuckridge en Kruger Nasionale Park (KNP) streek te karteer. Die beelde is voorverwerk en gesegmenteer om sinvolle beeldvoorwerpe te skep deur die gebruik van ‘n voorwerp gebaseerde beeldanalise (OBIA) benadering. Vyf beeldafgeleides naamlik: helderheid, kompaktheid, NIR standaardafwyking, area en die genormaliseerde verskil plantegroei-indeks (NDVI) is geëvalueer vir hul vermoë om habitat ongeskondenheid te modelleer. ‘n Habitatongeskondenheidsindeks is gegenereer deur die kombinasie van die vyf afgeleides wat herskaal is na 'n datareeks van 0 tot 10, met 0 om totaal getransformeerde gebiede te verteenwoordig en 10 om ongestoorde natuurlike plantegroei voor te stel. Velddata is versamel in Oktober 2014 met gebruik van 'n veldassesseringsvorm, bestaande uit 10 vrae wat verband hou met die toestand van die ekostelsel, om vergelykings met die afstandswaarneming habitatongeskondenheidsindeks te fasiliteer. Beide satellietdatastelle het lae algehele akkuraatheid onder 30% opgelewer. Die resultate is deur die toepassing van 'n regstellingsfaktor tot die verwysing data verbeter. Die resultate het aansienlik verbeter met SPOT 5 wat die hoogste algehele akkuraatheid van 62.6% gelewer het. Die Landsat 8 beeld vir Mei 2014 bereik 'n verbeterde akkuraatheid van 60.2%. Die SPOT 5 resultate het geblyk om ‘n beter voorspeller van habitatongeskondenheid te wees as gevolg van ‘n beter akkuraatheid vir natuurlike plantegroei, terwyl Landsat meestal gedegradeerde gebiede kon voorspel. Hierdie bevindinge dui daarop dat die metode nie maklik oordraagbaar was tussen die verskillende satelliet sensors in hierdie savanna landskap nie, veral as gevolg van ‘n hoë voorkoms van bosbouplantasies en landelike nedersettings. Hierdie gebiede veroorsaak hoë weglatingsfoute in die verwysing data, wat lei tot gematigde algehele akkuraatheid. Dit word aanbeveel dat hierdie areas gemasker word tydens die ontleding om aanvaarbare akkuraatheid te verkry vir nie-getransformeerde gebiede. Nogtans het die studie getoon dat die afgeleide habitatongeskondenheidsindekskaarte ‘n nuttige bron van data kan wees vir die kartering van algemene patrone van agteruitgang, veral op 'n plaaslike skaal. Daarom kan die getoetsde metodes in die studie in habitatkarteringsprojekte vir doeltreffende bewaring beplanning geïntegreer word. Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za
32
Daye, Eureka Capri. "Correlations Between Childhood Obesity and Obesogenic Environmental Variables Within Durham County, North Carolina." ScholarWorks, 2015. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/233.
Full textAbstract:
The application of geographic information systems was used to map obesogenic conditions by zip code tabulation areas in Durham County, North Carolina and evaluated associations between those conditions and the understudied area of early childhood obesity. Of the thirty one percent of the children in Durham County, North Carolina who were considered obese in 2010, four hundred and thirty three (1:5) 2 - 4 year old children who received supplemental nutrition services for women, infants and children were obese with BMI levels greater or equal to the 95th percentile and were used as the criterion variable in the study (N=433). The study's research questions examined conditions of the neighborhood that impeded the weight status of young children. The theoretical framework included the environmental stress, socioeconomic, multiple exposures-multiple effects, and attachment theories. The twenty - six variables used in this secondary quantitative study included demographics on socioeconomic and education levels, home occupancy and vacancy rates, age of homes, and neighborhood accessibility features: access to parks; recreation facilities; grocery stores verses convenience stores; fast food restaurants; medical facilities; schools; day cares; and neighborhood incivilities such as numbers of reported crimes. The t - test were configured as Grouping Variables with the cut-point of 18.7% and with an Alpha of .05 and produced statistical significance on five of twenty - six variables. A mean rate of 19.3% yielded statistical significance on ten of twenty - six variables. The Levene's Test for Equality of Variances expressed assumptions on scores met for statistical significance on t-test at the Alpha = 0.05 level for twenty - four of the twenty - six variables. The results of this study would possibly increase the use of the innovative geographic information systems to inform policy decisions, environmental interventions and environmental design on obesogenic correlates between the understudied area of early childhood obesity and the built environment.
33
Leblois, Antoine. "Quels changements organisationels pour l'agriculture Africaine ? Essais sur les réformes des filières cotonnières et les assurances fondées sur des indices météorologiques." Phd thesis, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS), 2012. http://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00765746.
Full textAbstract:
Ce travail de thèse présente l'analyse de deux changements organisationnels dans le cas du secteur agricole en Afrique Subsaharienne. Ce travail est composé de cinq chapitres qui peuvent être regroupés en deux parties distinctes. Dans le premier cas il s'agit de la comparaison et de l'estimation de l'impact de réformes institutionnelles au sein du secteur coton en Afrique Sub-Saharienne. Dans le second, de l'étude ex ante d'une innovation organisationnelle récente: les assurances fondées sur des indices météorologiques au sein de la zone soudano-sahélienne. Dans les deux cas ces analyses tentent de répondre à un besoin d'orientation les politiques visant au développement du secteur agricole en Afrique de l'Ouest et plus particulièrement à la question de l'accès au marché du crédit et de l'assurance pour les producteurs, nécessaire pour dépasser le stade de l'agriculture de subsistance (de Janvry et Sadoulet, 2011). Dans le premier chapitre, je passe en revue les réformes des filières cotonnières qui ont eu lieu en Afrique Sub-Saharienne. Je construis trois indices synthétiques de libéralisation: la présence de capitaux privés et le degré de concurrence entre égreneurs ainsi que la flexibilité des prix au cours de la campagne. Ceci nous permet de construire et de valider la base de données utilisée dans le second chapitre. Nous montrons d'abord que les deux vagues de réformes ont été très différentes. La première concerne les pays anglophones, dont le secteur cotonnier a été libéralisé entre 1985 et 1995. La seconde (après 1995) concerne les pays francophones d'Afrique de l'Ouest et du Centre. Nous montrons que ces dernières reposent plus sur une régulation de la filière, conservant de nombreuses caractéristiques des filières intégrées issue de la colonisation, contrairement aux réformes de la première vague de libéralisation. Tout d'abord, la concurrence établie n'est pas réelle puisque l'on voit l'installation de monopsones territoriaux d'égreneurs: les pays étant, dans la plupart des cas, divisés en zones d'opération pour chacun d'eux. Ensuite, les prix d'achat du coton sont encore fixés au semis et garantis jusque la récolte, absorbant les variations intra-saisonnières du prix international. Finalement on observe une rémanence du secteur privé, bien que des parts des sociétés cotonnières soient cédées au privé. Dans un second chapitre nous étudions l'impact de ces réformes sur la performance du secteur du coton dans les 16 principaux producteurs d'Afriques Sub-Saharienne en 2008. Nous utilisons pour cela des données de panel, issu de la FAO, appariées sur la période 1961-2008 à des données météorologiques mensuelles en grille (CRU TS3.1) considérées sur la période de croissance du coton, ce pour chaque année et chaque pays. Chaque cellule de la grille étant pondérée par la densité des surfaces cultivées en coton sur l'ensemble des territoires nationaux. Nous comparons les pays n'ayant pas réformé aux pays ayant régulé, installé une concurrence faible ou encore une concurrence forte. Nous montrons que les réformes menant à une régulation et à une forte concurrence ont un impact significatif sur les surfaces cultivées et les rendements. Ces résultats semblent validés par une estimation du potentiel biais de sélection, source limité d'endogéneité et robustes aux deux spécifications choisies: la première exploitant la dimension dynamique du panel (méthode des moments généralisés, dite GMM) et la seconde étant une analyse en différence de différences (moindres carrés avec effets fixes). Nous montrons d'abord que les réformes tendent à augmenter les rendements, hormis les réformes menant vers un faible niveau de concurrence, pour lequel l'effet des réformes n'est pas significatif. Les pays ayant régulé leur secteur cotonniers ont vu une croissance des surfaces semées en coton après les réformes. Les réformes menant à une forte compétition ont en revanche eu un impact négatif sur les surfaces cultivées, ce qui tend à valider l'approche institutionnelle qui suppose que le crédit aux intrants au semis, sans autre garantie que le coton récolté en fin de campagne, nécessite une relation de coordination qui est mise à mal par la concurrence. De même, comme le montre la littérature sur le sujet (Brambilla et Porto, 2011), il est possible qu'un effet de sélection ait opéré dans ces secteurs les plus concurrentiels, menant à limiter le nombre de producteurs cultivant du coton, aux dépend des producteurs les moins productifs, n'ayant pas accès aux marchés du crédit et de l'assurance. Dans le troisième chapitre nous réalisons une revue de la littérature sur les assurances indi- cielles, recensant les expériences dans les pays en développement, les méthodes sous-jacentes et les questions de recherche qui en découlent. Nous étudions finalement dans les chapitre 4 et 5 le potentiel de telles assurances dans deux cas spécifiques: le mil au Sud-Ouest du Niger et le coton au Nord du Cameroun. Ces assurances constituent une alternative intéressante aux assurances agricoles traditionnelles, coûteuses en raison de l'asymétrie d'information qui les caractérisent et de la nécessité de constater les dommages effectifs. Dans les deux cas nous montrons d'abord qu'accroître la complexité des indices pour mieux appréhender l'impact de la pluviométrie sur les rendements ne semble pas nécessaire. Les résultats, robustes à la cross-validation, corrigeant l'effet de la sur-identification (over-fitting) montre en effets que les gains de l'assurance sont relativement limités, mais surtout qu'il ne sont pas accrus par l'utilisation d'indices plus sophistiqués. Nous montrons aussi, dans le cas du mil, que la prise en compte de la forte variation des rendements au sein du même village est significative et qu'elle joue un rôle important dans le cas d'une fonction utilité concave. Les parcelles cultivées étant situées à moins de 3 kilomètres de la station météorologique, ce risque de base est bien dû à la présence de chocs idiosyncratiques (maladies, ravageurs...) ou à l'hétérogénéité des agents et des parcelles et non à un choc météorologique. Ce résultat tend à montrer que l'existence de ce risque de base résiduel, peut limiter la demande pour ce type d'assurance, en présence d'aversion pour le risque. Il s'inscrit dans la suite des travaux de Clarke (2011) qui montre que l'absence d'indemnisation, en cas de mauvais rendements, peut rendre l'assurance désavantageuse du fait du paiement de la prime (ce que j'appelle une erreur de type I). Ces résultats doivent être interprétés à la lumière du faible intérêt des producteurs pour ce genre de produits observés dans les récentes, mais néanmoins nombreuses, études ex post. Finalement, toujours dans ce premier cas, l'utilisation de données sur des parcelles fertilisées permet de montrer que ces résultats ne sont pas radicalement modifiés par la prise en compte d'une potentielle intensification des cultures, rendant pourtant la culture de mil plus risquée, et donc l'assurance plus intéressante. Dans le second cas, le coton, nous utilisons d'abord une expérimentation de terrain mettant en œuvre des jeux de loteries (inspiré de Holt et Laury, 2002), pour estimer la distribution des paramètres d'aversion pour le risque des producteurs. Nous montrons d'abord que, dans ce cas, l'effet de l'imparfaite corrélation des rendements et de l'indice météorologique choisi sur le gain en équivalent certain des producteurs, est significatif. C'est en particulier le cas dans les zones les plus humides ou montrant un climat spécifique. Contrairement au cas du mil au Niger, assurer les producteurs de coton semble nécessiter l'observation de la date de semis, dont le simulation ne semble pas nécessaire ou inadéquate vu les contraintes institutionnelles du secteur (comme par exemple les retards de livraison de graines et d'intrants). Nous remarquons ensuite que l'échelle d'étude étant plus importante dans le cas du coton au Cameroun, l'assurance risque de mener à des péréquations non désirées, par exemple des zone les plus humides envers les zones plus arides. Finalement nous observons, dans le cas du coton au Cameroun, que le gain apporté par la stabilisation des rendements est similaire, voire inférieur, à celui apporté par la stabilisation intra-saisonnière des prix qui a lieu aujourd'hui dans la filière Camerounaise intégrée (la Sodecoton détenant le monopole d'achat du coton graine au Cameroun). En effet, en annonçant le prix de vente au moment du semis, la société offre implicitement aux producteurs une assurance contre les variations du prix international au cours de la campagne. J'ai donc montré certaines limites intrinsèques aux mécanismes d'assurance fondés sur des indices météorologiques, en dépit de l'appréhension de la forte variabilité spatiale qui caractérise le climat soudano-sahélien au sein duquel les deux terrains se situent. Nous disposons en effet, dans les deux cas, d'une densité de stations météorologiques unique dans la région permettant de limiter le risque de base spatial. Ces résultats ne prennent toutefois pas en compte les effets indirects de l'assurance qui, lorsqu'elle est offerte conjointement avec un crédit aux intrants, peut baisser le prix de ce dernier, en limitant la probabilité de défaut en cas de sécheresse. J'ai par ailleurs aussi montré l'importance de l'accès au crédit pour les producteurs de coton ainsi que l'intérêt de la couverture contre le risque de variation du prix international dans le cas des cultures de rentes.
34
Bhuyan-Erhardt, Upasana Priyambada [Verfasser], Annette [Akademischer Betreuer] Menzel, Achim [Gutachter] Bräuning, and Annette [Gutachter] Menzel. "Drought quantification by multivariate indices and their validation against various environmental data / Upasana Priyambada Bhuyan-Erhardt ; Gutachter: Achim Bräuning, Annette Menzel ; Betreuer: Annette Menzel." München : Universitätsbibliothek der TU München, 2018. http://d-nb.info/1159703612/34.
Full text
35
Mavraganis, Theodoros. "An investigation of environmental impacts on sediments by marine cage fish farms using long term metadata analysis." Thesis, University of Stirling, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1893/9797.
Full textAbstract:
Many studies have investigated the impacts of marine cage fish farming on seabed sediments. Most of these studies have focused on organic loading or toxic chemicals used for the treatment of disease, normally for a single or a small number of sites over short time periods. Only very rarely has there been the opportunity to use large data sets consisting of a large number of fish farm sites over a long time scale. In Scotland, localised nutrient impacts have been well documented for marine cage salmon farms, but mixed effects of nutrient and chemicals such as SLICE (the active ingredient of which is emamectin benzoate) have not been investigated in the long term. The aim of this project was to investigate the ecological impacts on sediments from farming activities using very large spatial and temporal data to investigate the long term effects of nutrient and chemical waste. This was achieved using a metadata set collected from 403 sampling stations at 31 fish farms on the west coast of Scotland over a 9 year period. Data consisted of sediment macrofauna, carbon and nitrogen levels, redox potential, particle size for sediment characterisation and sediment concentrations of SLICE. The data was analysed for trends using statistical and multivariate analysis to look for changes in sediment community and related conditions, and the relationships between these parameters were investigated. At sampling stations that were less than 50 metres from the sea cages, 72% of the macrofauna communities were correlated with regard to their species composition and abundance. A significant relationship between the concentration of SLICE and sediment characteristics was represented as: SLICE= 0.000644*(median size particle size) + 0.0311*(C %) – 0.00213*(redox potential) + 1.453. Annelids were the most sensitive to the presence of emamectin benzoate, with the sipunculid Phascolion strombi, the echinoderm Ophiura affinis, and the custaceans Iphinoe, Diastylis and Iphimedia also showing sensitivity. During the data period, there was a clear change in species composition associated with improved seabed conditions. This correlated with biomass changes at the relevant sites, where there was a consequent decrease in nutrient input and SLICE usage. The statistical comparison of the AMBI and ITI indices indicated a 68.9% correlation, but they differed in their ability to indicate levels of organic disturbance. AMBI was shown to correlate more closely with conditions and thus a more reliable index when working with large databases. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that a combination of abundance (N), Shannon Wiener (H’) and AMBI, as biological indices for describing the status of the ecological level associated with the carbon percentage and redox potential of sediments gave the most reliable representation of environmental change over a series of sampling stations. In conclusion, the overall results suggest that, in the long-term, sampling stations which contained significant levels of SLICE had a higher impact status than those affected only by nutrient inputs. The accuracy of multiple regression models were increased by adding biotic and abiotic parameters, though fish biomass at the sites were not considered be as important factor for the prediction of impacts. However, this model could be sensitive to natural environmental conditions and variations. In light of these results and conclusions, recommendations can be made both for updating the existed environmental regulation of marine fish farms and in the development of meaningful models to relate sediment conditions to accurate estimations of overall environmental impacts.
36
Elia, Letizia. "PCA study of the interannual variability of the GPS height and environmental parameters." Master's thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2020. http://amslaurea.unibo.it/20438/.
Full textAbstract:
The objective of this study is to investigate a large network of GPS stations to identify and analyze spatially coherent signals present in the Up coordinate time series of the stations and, at the same locations, to identify and analyze common patterns in the series of environmental parameters and climate indices. The study is confined to Europe and the Mediterranean area, where 107 GPS sites were selected from the archive of the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory (NGL) on the basis of the completeness and length of the data series. The parameters of interest the Up coordinate of the GPS stations, the surface pressure (SP), the terrestrial water storage (TWS) and various climate indices: NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation), EA (East Atlantic), AO (Artic Oscillation), SCAND (Scandinavia), TNA (Tropical North Atlantic) and MEI v2 (Multivariate ENSO Index version 2). The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is the methodology adopted to extract the main patterns of the space/time variability of these parameters. The work also focused on the coupled modes of space/time interannual variability between pairs of variables using the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) methodology. The coupled variability between all the aforementioned parameters is investigated.
This study has identified, over Europe and the Mediterranean, main modes of variability in the time series of the GPS Up coordinate, SP and TWS. The SVD analysis of coupled parameters, namely GPS Up-SP and GPS Up-TWS, showed that most of the common variability is explained by the first 3 modes. Moreover, the correlation between the GPS Up coordinate and the climate indices was estimated to investigate the possible influence of climate variability on the GPS Up behaviour. More than 30 stations, over the total of 107, show significant correlations with the AO, TNA and SCAND indices. The correlation coefficients with MEI v2 turn out to be significant and up to 0.5 for about half of the stations.
37
Ilangakoon, Nayani Thanuja. "Relationship between leaf area index (LAI) estimated by terrestrial LiDAR and remotely sensed vegetation indices as a proxy to forest carbon sequestration." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1402857524.
Full text
38
AraÃjo, Ana Maria MaurÃcio. "Analysis of practices of management environmental and its impacts on productivity of shrimp farming in Ceara State." Universidade Federal do CearÃ, 2015. http://www.teses.ufc.br/tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=14305.
Full textAbstract:
CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel SuperiorFundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico
Shrimp farming has been consolidated as one of the most promising economic activities of the Northeast, where it has also been shown to be responsible for high negative impacts on the coastal environment. The research problem was to see how productivity is affected by the adoption of environmental management practices by analyzing the interaction between the productivity factor and other environmental management factors. To do so, we estimated the linear type regression analysis, to obtain a mathematical equation which quantify the relationship between productivity and other variables. The survey was conducted in 60 shrimp farms located in CearÃ, on farms intended only for fattening phase. Were raised environmental management practices adopted by producers and created management indices,where these indices were aggregated into a single index that along with the variables that describe the productive characteristics and location of the farms originated econometric linlog semi-logarithmic models. Regression analysis showed that the yield is better explained by the storage density, intensive production system periodic servicing. Environmental management is not configured as a factor that influences productivity, justifying the low level of environmental management by shrimp farmers.
A carcinicultura vem se consolidando como uma das mais promissoras atividades econÃmicas da RegiÃo Nordeste, onde tambÃm tem sido apresentada como responsÃvel por elevados impactos negativos sobre o ambiente costeiro. O problema da pesquisa consistiu em verificar como a produtividade à afetada pela adoÃÃo de prÃticas de gestÃo ambiental, atravÃs da anÃlise da interaÃÃo entre o fator produtividade e os outros fatores de gestÃo ambiental. Para isto, estimou-se uma anÃlise de regressÃo do tipo linear, para obter uma equaÃÃo matemÃtica que quantificasse o relacionamento entre produtividade e outras variÃveis. A pesquisa foi realizada em 60 fazendas de carcinicultura localizadas no CearÃ, em fazendas destinadas somente à fase de engorda. Foram levantadas as prÃticas de gestÃo ambiental adotadas pelos produtores e criados Ãndices de manejo, onde estes Ãndices foram agregados em um Ãnico Ãndice que juntamente com as variÃveis que descrevem as caracterÃsticas produtivas e de localizaÃÃo das fazendas originou modelos economÃtricos semi-logarÃtmicos lin-log. A anÃlise de regressÃo mostrou que a produtividade à melhor explicada pela densidade de estocagem, sistema de produÃÃo intensivo a assistÃncia tÃcnica periÃdica. A gestÃo ambiental nÃo se configura como um fator que influencie a produtividade, justificando o baixo nÃvel de gestÃo ambiental pelos carcinicultores.
39
Sakalauskienė, Sandra. "Kintančio klimato ir aplinkos veiksnių kompleksinio poveikio žirnių fiziologiniams rodikliams modeliavimas." Doctoral thesis, Lithuanian Academic Libraries Network (LABT), 2012. http://vddb.laba.lt/obj/LT-eLABa-0001:E.02~2012~D_20120130_134807-70023.
Full textAbstract:
Tyrimų tikslas – ištirti diferencijuotą ir kompleksinį aplinkos veiksnių poveikį skirtingų genotipų sėjamojo žirnio (Pisum sativum L.) fiziologinei reakcijai bei nustatyti šių veiksnių tarpusavio sąveikos įtaką fiziologiniams rodikliams. Tyrimų uždaviniai: Nustatyti skirtingos substrato drėgmės ir UV-B spinduliuotės diferencijuotą ir kompleksinį poveikį įvairių genotipų sėjamajam žirniui: 1.Esant dabartiniams klimato veiksnių parametrams. 2.Padidėjusios anglies dioksido koncentracijos sąlygomis. 3.Pakilusios temperatūros sąlygomis. 4.Prognozuojamų klimato veiksnių parametrų sąlygomis (padidėjus CO2 koncentracijai ir temperatūrai).The aim of research – to investigate the differential and complex effect of environmental factors on the physiological responses of different genotypes of sowing pea (Pisum sativum L.) and to evaluate the impact of factor interaction among factors on physiological indices. The tasks of research: To identify the differentiated and integrated effect of different substrate moisture and UV-B radiation on different genotypes of sowing pea: 1.Under the current parameters of climatic factors; 2.Under the increased CO2 concentrations; 3.Under increased temperature; 4.Under predicted climatic factors conditions (increased CO2 concentration and temperature).
40
Gadbois, Nicholas Brian. "Using Chaetognatha as Indicators of Water Masses in the Florida Current, Broward County, Florida." NSUWorks, 2013. http://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_stuetd/168.
Full textAbstract:
Zooplankton samples and water mass measurements were conducted along a 10 km long, east-west transect off the coast of southeast Florida during 2007. Temperature and salinity measurements were recorded using a conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensor, and current direction and magnitude measurements were recorded using an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). Daylight zooplankton samples were collected using a 335 μm mesh bongo net at surface 0-25 m and 0-150 m (nearshore) and 0-200 m (offshore), at three stations, for 5 nonconsecutive months along the transect. Chaetognatha were separated from bulk zooplankton samples and identified to species; fifteen different species were found. Flaccisagitta enflata had the highest densities over the entire sampling period, followed by Serratosagitta serratodentata, and Krohnitta pacifica. ADCP data revealed the existence of a Subsurface Counter Current in conjunction with an offshore meander of the Florida Current during May, July, and September 2007. Abiotic data confirmed the presence of Continental Edge Water and Yucatan Water occupying different spatial and temporal scales, and the boundary between these two water masses existed as the western boundary of the Florida Current. The densities of each species were compared to the collection site’s temperature and salinity data. Densities of several species (Flaccisagitta enflata, Ferosagitta hispida, M. minima, and Sagitta bipuctata) demonstrated a correlation to temperature and S. bipunctata and Ferosagitta hispida showed a correlation to salinity. These species were associated with the front and peripheries of the Florida Current.
41
Nordheim-Shelt, Barbara Ann. "Effects of Anthropogenic Activity on the Green Swamp Preserve Ecosystem." Scholar Commons, 2017. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/6734.
Full textAbstract:
The Green Swamp Preserve is a large geographic area that has sustained many changes since Europeans settled in Florida. There has been little published research on the impacts of anthropogenic activity on this system. This thesis research seeks to document more recent changes in the Green Swamp and to evaluate the effects of various human activities on the system. The study period is from 1985 to 2015. For this time period changes in land use and landcover were examined using neural network classifications. Changes in vegetation health were evaluated by examining Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Green Vegetation Index differences. Field site visits were made to document current conditions at thirty sample locations within the study area. Changes in land use and landcover and vegetation health were evaluated in relation to anthropogenic activities such as proximity to pollution sources, conservation lands and restoration sites. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine if statistically significant clustering occurred in these changes and if present geographically weighted regressions were performed to determine if a significant spatial relationship existed between the clustering and the various human activities. WAP data showed an overall decline in wetland health at the assessment sites and showed a trend of lower wetland health at sites within 2 Km of pollution sources, specifically petroleum tank contamination sites and state roads. The statistically significant clustering identified in land use landcover changes from 1985 to 2015 were in relation to changes from field, forested and wetland landcover types to built environments. Spatial relationships were identified between the proximity of petroleum tank contamination sites, state roads and solid waste facilities and clustering of NDVI decreases from 1985 to 2015. NDVI increases in the study area from 1985 to 2015 also showed statistically significant clustering in relation to conservation lands and lands purchased by the Southwest Florida Water Management District for environmental protection. These preliminary findings suggest that human activities may have influenced changes in the health of the Green Swamp. Further, more extensive research is suggested to confirm these findings.
42
Vasques, Eltiza Rondino. "Qualidade ambiental urbana do Distrito da Liberdade, município de São Paulo (SP)." Universidade de São Paulo, 2017. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/8/8135/tde-07032018-102753/.
Full textAbstract:
A urbanização, quando não é devidamente planejada, potencializa impactos ambientais negativos ao ambiente e danos à saúde da população, pois traz consigo mudanças no meio físico e biológico, devido à descaracterização dos cursos dágua, mudança na geomorfologia dos terrenos, impermeabilização dos solos, corte de vegetação, verticalização das construções, entre outros. O conhecimento sobre a qualidade ambiental urbana em cidades já estabelecidas permite identificar os aspectos e impactos ambientais negativos decorrentes das ações humanas, planejar e propor ações de melhoria que favoreçam o bem estar da população e diminuam problemas de saúde causados pela urbanização. Este trabalho objetivou determinar o nível de qualidade ambiental urbana, considerando variáveis que causam impactos ambientais urbanos negativos e positivos, no distrito Liberdade, município de São Paulo, SP. Para a determinação do nível de qualidade ambiental, foram avaliados os seguintes atributos ambientais, adaptados e ampliados a partir de Nucci (1996): usos potencialmente poluidores, tráfego de veículos de passeio e de ônibus, poluição sonora, pontos de alagamentos e enchentes, densidade demográfica, verticalização das edificações, abastecimento de água e coleta de esgotos, coleta de resíduos sólidos, estado das calçadas e presença de espaços livres públicos, áreas verdes, cobertura vegetal e arborização urbana. Para cada um desses atributos, foram determinados índices que permitiram quantificar e indicar o nível de qualidade ambiental dos trechos estudados. Como a presença de um uso potencialmente poluidor interfere no ambiente com diversos impactos ambientais, os usos potencialmente poluidores tiveram maior influência na classificação da qualidade ambiental do distrito. O distrito da Liberdade apresenta, no geral, trânsito moderado em todas as suas ruas e avenidas, na grande maioria das vias do distrito trafegam ônibus e o índice de poluição sonora ultrapassa os níveis de critério de avaliação para ambientes externos determinados pela norma vigente. Os pontos de enchente registrados localizam-se predominantemente ao norte do distrito, próximo ao córrego Moringuinho. O distrito da Liberdade é bastante verticalizado e a tendência é de continuidade deste processo, pois há áreas que estão em processo de regularização para construção de novos edifícios. Em relação ao saneamento básico, 100% da população é atendida por abastecimento de água, 98,5% por coleta e tratamento de esgoto e 100%, por coleta domiciliar de resíduos. A potencialidade média das calçadas é maioria no distrito, as áreas com cobertura vegetal correspondem a 8,3% da área do distrito e o índice de espaços livres públicos é de 2,12 m² por habitante.Urbanization, when not properly planned, potentiates adverse environmental impacts and damage to the health of the population because it brings with it changes in the biological and physical environment, due to the plugging of watercourses, changes in the geomorphology of the land, soil sealing, vegetation depletion, building verticalization, among other factors. By knowing the urban environmental quality in already established cities, one can identify negative environmental aspects and impacts resulting from human actions, as well as plan and propose improvements that enhance the well-being of the population and reduce health problems caused by urbanization. This work aims to determine the level of urban environmental quality, considering variables that cause negative and positive urban environmental impact, in the district of Liberdade, in the city of São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil. For determining the level of environmental quality, the following environmental attributes were evaluated, adapted and expanded from Nucci (1996): potentially polluting usages; car and bus traffic; noise pollution; inundation and floods; population density; verticalization of buildings and constructions; water supply and sewage collection; solid waste collection; condition of sidewalks; and presence of free public spaces, green areas, vegetation cover and urban forestry. For each of these attributes, indices were determined to quantify and indicate the level of environmental quality of the areas studied. Since the occurrence of a potentially polluting usage interferes with the environment with various environmental impacts, potentially polluting usages have had a major influence on the classification of environmental quality in the district. The District of Liberdade features, overall, moderate traffic in all its streets and avenues, buses travel in most of the district\'s roads, and the pollution index exceeds the levels of assessment criteria for external environments determined by current regulations. Areas in which floods have been recorded are located predominantly in the North of the district, near the Moringuinho stream. The District of Liberdade is predominantly vertical, and this process tends to continue since there are several areas in the process of being regularized for the construction of new buildings. As for sanitation, 100% of the population are served by water supply, 98.5% for sewage collection and treatment, and 100% for household waste collection. The sidewalks in the district are predominantly of medium capability, areas with vegetation cover correspond to 8.3% of the district area, and the index of free public spaces is 2.12 m² per inhabitant.
43
Filipuci, Isil. "The effects of environmental stressors on coastal fish : in situ and experimental approach." Thesis, Littoral, 2011. http://www.theses.fr/2011DUNK0399/document.
Full textAbstract:
Les estuaires et les zones côtières constituent des territoires à fort enjeux stratégiques économiquement et pour l'environnement. Ils assurent de nombreuses fonctions biologiques et écologiques dont celle de nourricerie et de frayère pour les poissons. Ces écosystèmes sont pourtant soumis à de multiples facteurs de stress, à la fois naturels et anthropogéniques, qui peuvent représenter une menace potentielle envers les organismes aquatiques, en particulier pour les espèces commerciales de poissons. Dans ce contexte, les effets de facteurs de stress environnementaux tels que la contamination chimique et les efflorescences algales nuisibles (HABs) ont été étudiés par des approches in situ et expérimentale (microcosme et mésocosme) sur deux espèces de poissons : le flet (Platichthys flesus) et le bar (Dicentrarchus labrax). Durant cette thèse, nous avons utilisé différents indicateurs pour déterminer les réponses des poissons aux stress environnementaux. Parmi ces outils, nous avons utilisés des indices de croissance et condition, des biomarqueurs moléculaires et des paramètres immunologiquesEstuaries and coastal areas are essential fish habitat as nursery and spawning but characterized by the presence of multiple interacting stressors, both natural and anthropogenic, which can represent potential threat toward aquatic organisms, especially for commercial fish species. In this context, the impacts of environmental stressors such as chemical contamination and Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been studied by in situ and experimentally (microcosm and mesocosm) approaches on two fish species : European flounder (Platichthys flesus) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). During this thesis, we used various indicators to determine fish responses to environmental stressors. Among these tools, we used the growth and conditions indices, molecular biomarkers and immunological parameters. In situ approach has been realized in two different systems anthropogenically influenced : one is heavily impacted system (Seine estuary) and the others are less impacted and/or considered as "clean" systems (Canche, Authie and Somme estuaries). As juvenile flounders concentrate in estuaries, we have chosen this species as a biological indicator to evaluate the quality of these estuarine habitats. This in situ study emphasized the negative impact of contaminants on the nursery function of estuaries. The Seine estuary exhibited the highest metals and PAHs contents in sediment compared to other estuaries and metal concentration in juvenile flounder of this estuary were also significantly higher than ones collected in the less polluted estuaries. In the same way, fish growth and condition indices were significantly lower in individuals from this estuary in spite of the sufficient food availability. To control environmental parameters such as hydrological parameters and food availability, a microcosm experiment was carried out on sea bass juveniles exposed to fresh sediment from five sites with different chemical concentrations using multi-biomarker approaches. After 21 days exposure, no metal accumulation in fish gills and any significant differences on the physiological performances and immune system responses of fish juveniles could be observed. On the other hand, responses of molecular biomarkers, particularly, EROD, GST and CAT activities increase with the chemical contamination gradient after 7days of exposure in sediment. This microcosm study confirmed the sensibility and relativity of short term molecular biomarkers responses to the chemical contamination. These two studies highlighted the complexity of the fish responses to environmental stressor due to the many variable environmental factors in situ and due to the selection of fish species (pelagic or benthic) and the exposure duration in controlled laboratory assays. Beside the impact of pollution on fish, Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are widespread along the eastern English Channel and may alter ecological functions of coastal zones and thus affecting nursery ground and fish populations. Nevertheless, the effects of two recurrent harmful algal blooms : a) Phaegocystis globosa and its degraded form transparent exopolymeric particles (TEP) with foam accumulation and b) Pseudo-nitzschia pseudodelicatissima (exponential versus senescent phase) was investigated on the growth and condition of sea bass juveniles. Both mesocosm experiments exhibited any negative impact on juvenile sea bass physiological performance, hence, survival and recruitment success. In conclusion, the results of this thesis contributed to improve the fish responses with multi-biomarker approaches to monitor and assess the health of fish communities and fish habitat quality, as well as the general ecological status of coastal zones and estuaries against the various environmental stressors
44
Kazlauskienė, Rasa. "Vyžuonos upės ekologinė charakteristika." Master's thesis, Lithuanian Academic Libraries Network (LABT), 2006. http://vddb.library.lt/obj/LT-eLABa-0001:E.02~2006~D_20060609_123332-92183.
Full textAbstract:
Work object – Vyžuona river, which has 26 km lenght, is left affluent of Šventoji river, belongs to subbasin of Šventoji river and runs from northeast to southwest of Lithuania.
Work aim – identify water quality and bounded with it live organisms of Vyžuona river.
Work tasks – analyse physical-chemical water parameters of Vyžuona river, identify varietal composition of organisms, define and evaluate contamination of river objects.
Work results – After the reasearch was made there was defined that Vyžuona river in Utena town (1 km from Krašuona river and Vieša river junction) belongs to average contaminated rivers category measuring by parameters of water quality: common nitrogen quantity 1.9 times exceeds permissible quotas, 68.6 % of common nitrogen is composed of nitrate nitrogen, BDS7 quantity 2,7 times exceeds the LDK, concentration of phosphates 2.3 times exceeded permissible quotas. Krašuona river and Vieša river runs trough private houses section, which has no central sewer and that is the reason why mentioned rivers are bearing domestic contaminants into Vyžuona river.
According to 2004-2006 data below the outlet from drain mechanism of UAB „Utenos vandenys“ refinement system there was found concentration of phosphorus which averagely 1,75 times, common nitrogen 1,1 times and BDS7 1,7 times less in comparison with river part in centre of Utena town above UAB „Utenos vandenys“. That may be explained by UAB „Utenos vandeys“ affect, which drains large amount of enough... [to full text]
45
Petalas, Kety Vasconcelos. "Estudo da sensaÃÃo tÃrmica e definiÃÃo de limites de conforto para espaÃos abertos na cidade de Fortaleza, CE." Universidade Federal do CearÃ, 2015. http://www.teses.ufc.br/tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=13754.
Full textAbstract:
FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgicoAs reaÃÃes termofisiolÃgicas humanas Ãs condiÃÃes climÃticas sÃo comumente avaliadas a partir da aplicaÃÃo de Ãndices de conforto tÃrmico. Os resultados sÃo interpretados por meio de escalas de apreciaÃÃo definidas em funÃÃo do relacionamento entre o valor calculado e a sensaÃÃo tÃrmica relatada por pessoas adaptadas ao clima temperado. Entretanto, diversos estudos tÃm identificado um distanciamento entre estas respostas e apontado para a necessidade de ajustes. Fortaleza à uma cidade litorÃnea de clima tropical quente e Ãmido, naturalmente estressante devido ao calor. Por um lado, tem apresentando significativas alteraÃÃes climÃticas e, por outro, poucos estudos avaliam o impacto dessas alteraÃÃes na sensaÃÃo tÃrmica da populaÃÃo. Dessa forma, este estudo visa verificar a aplicabilidade de alguns Ãndices tÃrmicos e definir novos limites de conforto que possam ser aplicados em anÃlises bioclimÃticas de espaÃos abertos pÃblicos da cidade. Inicialmente, com o objetivo de identificar a percepÃÃo e preferÃncia tÃrmicas da populaÃÃo e coletar as informaÃÃes necessÃrias ao cÃlculo dos Ãndices, foram aplicados questionÃrios e realizadas mediÃÃes em campo em dias representativos das quatro estaÃÃes do ano, entre 2011 e 2012, das 09:00 Ãs 16:00h. A amostragem foi feita por conveniÃncia e considerou a populaÃÃo adulta, saudÃvel e aclimatada Ãs condiÃÃes climÃticas locais. Os Ãndices tÃrmicos foram calculados individualmente e todas as informaÃÃes foram tratadas estatisticamente a partir do teste chiquadrado, da anÃlise de variÃncia e da anÃlise de regressÃo probit. Os resultados mostram limites de conforto mais elevados e uma reduÃÃo na amplitude das faixas, identificando uma maior tolerÃncia ao calor em funÃÃo da abordagem adaptativa. TambÃm revelam a percepÃÃo do clima como levemente aquecido a quente, a preferÃncia da populaÃÃo por um ambiente tÃrmico mais fresco e indicam a necessidade de se preservar o sombreamento e a ventilaÃÃo proporcionados, respectivamente, pela arborizaÃÃo e pelas brisas marÃtimas e vento regional. Analisando o perÃodo de 1980 a 2010, observa-se que apesar da maioria dos dados situaremse entre os novos limites de conforto, hà indÃcios de uma sensaÃÃo tÃrmica mais aquecida. A definiÃÃo de novas faixas de conforto fornece subsÃdios aos planejadores urbanos no processo de tomada de decisÃo, permitindo uma avaliaÃÃo mais adequada dos espaÃos abertos, a comparaÃÃo de diferentes soluÃÃes e intervenÃÃes urbanas mais coerentes com o clima local.
Human termofisiolÃgicas reactions to climatic conditions are commonly evaluated from the application of thermal comfort indices. Results are interpreted by assessment scales defined by the relationship between the calculated value and the thermal sensation reported by people adapted to the temperate climate. However, many studies have identified a gap between these answers and pointed to the need for adjustments. Fortaleza is a coastal city of hot and humid tropical climate, Naturally stressful due to heat. On one hand, it presents significant climate change and, second, few studies have evaluated the impact of these changes in thermal sensation of the population. Thus, this study aims to verify the applicability of some thermal indices and set new limits of comfort that can be applied in bioclimatic analysis of public open spaces in the city. Initially, with the aim of identify the thermal perception and preference of the population and collect information necessary for the calculation of the indices, measurements questionnaires were administered and conducted in field representative days of the four seasons between 2011 and 2012, from 09:00 to 16: 00h. The sample was selected by convenience and considered the adult population, healthy and acclimatized to the local climate. The thermal indices were calculated individually and all information were statistically treated from chiquadrado test, analysis of variance and probit regression analysis. The results show higher comfort boundaries and decrease in amplitude of the tracks, identifying one greater heat tolerance according to the adaptive approach. They also reveal the perception climate as slightly warm to hot, the preference of the population for environment cooler thermal and indicate the need to preserve the shading and ventilation provided, respectively, for afforestation and by sea breezes and regional wind. Looking at the period 1980-2010, it is observed that although most situaremse data between the new limits of comfort, there is evidence of a warmer wind chill. The defining new comfort ranges provides subsidies to urban planners in the process decision-making, allowing a better assessment of open spaces, the comparison of different urban solutions and interventions more consistent with the local climate.
46
Schutt, Amanda E. "Using macroinvertebrate community composition to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic sedimentation." VCU Scholars Compass, 2012. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/2896.
Full textAbstract:
Excess fine sediment from human activity is a major pollutant to streams across the U.S.; however, distinguishing human-induced sedimentation from natural fine sediment is complex. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently implemented a protocol for the quantitative field assessment of human-induced sedimentation using measurements of stream geomorphology. Macroinvertebrate community composition, streambed sediment stability, and sediment composition were studied at 49 sites in the James River watershed in central Virginia. Sediment composition was found to be a stronger driver of community composition than sediment stability. Although I was not able to show that macroinvertebrate metrics were related to sediment stability independently of actual fine sediment composition, some metrics, including percent Ephemeridae, a family of burrowing mayflies (order = Ephemeroptera) show promise as valuable tools for regional biologists and resource managers to discriminate among streams considered impaired for sediment pollution.
47
Vasconcelos, Ana Karine Portela. "Modelo para avaliaÃÃo e apoio ao plano de gerenciamento integrado de resÃduos sÃlidos urbanos municipais baseado em indicadores ambientais." Universidade Federal do CearÃ, 2014. http://www.teses.ufc.br/tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=12580.
Full textAbstract:
Este trabalho propÃe o desenvolvimento de um modelo de avaliaÃÃo e apoio ao gerenciamento integrado de resÃduos sÃlidos urbanos, com base em indicadores ambientais, especificamente nas etapas do serviÃo de coleta, varriÃÃo, capina e roÃada e no planejamento de limpeza. Uma pesquisa de opiniÃo (MÃtodo Delphi) foi realizada para determinar a importÃncia de cada um dos 24 (vinte e quatro) indicadores na composiÃÃo do Ãndice de avaliaÃÃo do gerenciamento integrado de resÃduos sÃlidos urbanos (IGU). A anÃlise estatÃstica apontou a regressÃo logÃstica ordinal como modelo matemÃtico mais adequado aos dados dessa pesquisa, com nÃvel de significÃncia 0,05 para os indicadores, na equaÃÃo final e, 0,20 para os subindicadores. Assim, todos os indicadores/subindicadores sÃo estatisticamente significativos. A partir desse Ãndice, desenvolveu-se, utilizando um algoritmo, uma nova ferramenta computacional, o software de avaliaÃÃo do gerenciamento integrado de resÃduos sÃlidos urbanos (SMSW), a fim de criar um banco de dados dos sistemas pÃblicos de limpeza urbana para formar a base estatÃstica das informaÃÃes relatadas. O SMSW à software livre, desenvolvido em linguagem PHP, o que proporciona a sua divulgaÃÃo tecnolÃgica. Espera-se que, dados reais de municÃpios de pequeno e mÃdio portes, sejam usados no processo de simulaÃÃo do modelo, comprovando sua aplicabilidade, funcionalidade e viabilidade, podendo, portanto, ser utilizado nÃo sà em um municÃpio, como tambÃm em consÃrcios intermunicipais.Este trabalho propÃe o desenvolvimento de um modelo de avaliaÃÃo e apoio ao gerenciamento integrado de resÃduos sÃlidos urbanos, com base em indicadores ambientais, especificamente nas etapas do serviÃo de coleta, varriÃÃo, capina e roÃada e no planejamento de limpeza. Uma pesquisa de opiniÃo (MÃtodo Delphi) foi realizada para determinar a importÃncia de cada um dos 24 (vinte e quatro) indicadores na composiÃÃo do Ãndice de avaliaÃÃo do gerenciamento integrado de resÃduos sÃlidos urbanos (IGU). A anÃlise estatÃstica apontou a regressÃo logÃstica ordinal como modelo matemÃtico mais adequado aos dados dessa pesquisa, com nÃvel de significÃncia 0,05 para os indicadores, na equaÃÃo final e, 0,20 para os subindicadores. Assim, todos os indicadores/subindicadores sÃo estatisticamente significativos. A partir desse Ãndice, desenvolveu-se, utilizando um algoritmo, uma nova ferramenta computacional, o software de avaliaÃÃo do gerenciamento integrado de resÃduos sÃlidos urbanos (SMSW), a fim de criar um banco de dados dos sistemas pÃblicos de limpeza urbana para formar a base estatÃstica das informaÃÃes relatadas. O SMSW à software livre, desenvolvido em linguagem PHP, o que proporciona a sua divulgaÃÃo tecnolÃgica. Espera-se que, dados reais de municÃpios de pequeno e mÃdio portes, sejam usados no processo de simulaÃÃo do modelo, comprovando sua aplicabilidade, funcionalidade e viabilidade, podendo, portanto, ser utilizado nÃo sà em um municÃpio, como tambÃm em consÃrcios intermunicipais.This paper proposes the development of an evaluation model and support the integrated management of municipal solid waste, based on environmental indicators, specifically on the steps of collection, sweeping, weeding and mowing service in planning and cleaning. An opinion poll (Delphi method) was performed to determine the importance of each of the 24 (twenty four) indicators in the index of evaluation of the integrated management of municipal solid waste (IGU). Statistical analysis showed the ordinal logistic regression is more appropriate to the data of this research, with significance level 0.05 for the indicators, the final equation and 0.20 for the sub mathematical model. Thus, all indicators / sub-indicators are statistically significant. From this index, developed using an algorithm, a new computational tool, the software evaluation of the integrated management of municipal solid (SMSW) waste in order to create a database of public urban sanitation systems to form statistical basis of the information reported. The SMSW is free software, developed in PHP language, which provides its technological dissemination. It is expected that actual data of municipalities small and medium, are used in the model simulation process, proving its applicability, functionality and viability, and can therefore be used not only in a municipality, as well as in municipal consortia. this paper proposes the development of an evaluation model and support the integrated management of municipal solid waste, based on environmental indicators, specifically on the steps of collection, sweeping, weeding and mowing service in planning and cleaning. An opinion poll (Delphi method) was performed to determine the importance of each of the 24 (twenty four) indicators in the index of evaluation of the integrated management of municipal solid waste (IGU). Statistical analysis showed the ordinal logistic regression is more appropriate to the data of this research, with significance level 0.05 for the indicators, the final equation and 0.20 for the sub mathematical model. Thus, all indicators / sub-indicators are statistically significant. From this index, developed using an algorithm, a new computational tool, the software evaluation of the integrated management of municipal solid (SMSW) waste in order to create a database of public urban sanitation systems to form statistical basis of the information reported. The SMSW is free software, developed in PHP language, which provides its technological dissemination. It is expected that actual data of municipalities small and medium, are used in the model simulation process, proving its applicability, functionality and viability, and can therefore be used not only in a municipality, as well as in municipal consortia.
48
Tucker, David Ian. "The assessment of ecological condition in south-east Queensland, Australia: An evaluation of reliability across variable environments and surrogate efficacy for biodiversity values." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2016. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/94285/1/David_Tucker_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Multimetric ecological condition assessment has become an important biodiversity management tool. This study was the first to examine the reliability of these ecological surrogates across variable environments, and the implications for surrogate efficacy. It was demonstrated that through strategic application and design of the multimetric ecological condition index, the effects of environmental gradients and disturbance regimes can be mitigated, and that ecological condition assessment may serve as a scientifically rigorous approach for conservation planning.
49
Drevinskas, Dalius. "Biržų miesto įtaka Tatulos upės vandens kokybei." Master's thesis, Lithuanian Academic Libraries Network (LABT), 2005. http://vddb.library.lt/obj/LT-eLABa-0001:E.02~2005~D_20050610_153812-42141.
Full textAbstract:
The master student’s work analyzes water quality of the river Tatula above and below the tributary Juodupė saturated with municipal wastewater of Biržai town.
Study object. The river Tatula is a 66.2-km long right tributary of the Mūša. The river Tatula belongs to the river Lielupė basin located in northern part of Lithuania. The Tatula is flowing via cultivated karst region.
Objective of work: to determine the changes in water quality of the river Tatula within the period of 1994-2004, when old wastewater treatment facilities were functioning in Biržai town and the new facilities started working in 2003.
Study methodology. The study is based on the data of water quality measurements conducted by the United Research Center of the Ministry of Environment as well as additional data collected by the author in 2003-2004 in the river Tatula above the Juodupė inflow (distance from the outlet 18.8 km; basin area 191.4 km2) and below the tributary (distance from the outlet 17.5 km, basin area 283 km2). To estimate the changes in water quality during the study period, 26 parameters indicating water quality were analyzed; the changes in concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus were considered as topical issues. Water quality was estimated on the basis of river water classification. Water samples were analyzed in the laboratory of wastewater treatment facilities of Biržai town.
Study results. As the study results have shown, according to all water quality parameters the stretch of... [to full text]
50
Young, Andrea Ferraz. "Aplicação de indices relativos de vegetação e temperatura para estudo das mudanças do uso e ocupação do solo : estudo de caso de Curitiba (PR), 1986 a 2002." [s.n.], 2004. http://repositorio.unicamp.br/jspui/handle/REPOSIP/257217.
Full textAbstract:
Orientadores: Jansle Vieira Rocha, Maria Victoria Ramos BallesterTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Agricola
Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-04T21:25:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Young_AndreaFerraz_D.pdf: 5424705 bytes, checksum: b08f7c9f1dc2da967b94bfb55bad34dd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005
Resumo: O objetivo principal do trabalho foi o de criar índices relativos de vegetação e temperatura da superfície, sensíveis a mudanças, que sintetizassem as alterações ocorridas nos padrões da cobertura vegetal e urbanização, em função das transformações evidenciadas no tecido urbano do município de Curitiba (PR). Baseando-se na análise dos resultados obtidos através do cálculo desses índices, procedeu-se a análise conjunta com os dados de população. Portanto, esse processo envolveu o estudo dos padrões de uso do solo, das interações entre as diferentes classes inseridas na paisagem e de como esses padrões e interações mudam ao longo do tempo. Assim sendo, três regiões de Curitiba foram selecionadas por meio da definição de critérios específicos e comparadas em termos de mudanças de padrões e tendências.Imagens Landsat TM e ETM+ foram utilizadas para identificar diferentes padrões de cobertura da terra fornecendo uma classificação do uso do solo. Para isolar as áreas com vegetação das superfícies urbanas construídas, o Índice de Vegetação por Diferença Normalizada (NDVI) foi utilizado como um indicador da presença de vegetação, a partir do qual o índice de vegetação relativo (NDVI-R) foi criado. Ao mesmo tempo, valores das bandas termais do satélite Landsat (bandas 6) foram extraídos como indicadores das diferenças termais entre usos do solo, servido de base para a proposição de um índice de temperatura relativo (DN-R), que foi comparado com o índice de vegetação relativo (NDVI-R). Um banco de dados identificando as principais características da população de cada região foi construído, servindo de suporte para a análise entre as variáveis, fornecendo cenários da realidade e subseqüentes conflitos causados pelas mudanças na paisagem. Através da aplicação dessas técnicas foi possível verificar a importância do tamanho e distribuição das áreas de vegetação na caracterização das áreas urbanizadas e semi-urbanizadas. Esta abordagem comparativa demonstrou como a paisagem pode ser derivada do imageamento por satélite fornecendo uma representação das mudanças ocorridas na estrutura espacial urbana. Além disso, demonstrou como o rápido crescimento populacional e o desenvolvimento urbano tendem a competir com condições ambientais mais sensíveis, tais como parques e áreas de proteção ambiental. Todo o processo envolveu mudanças na composição, estrutura e função da paisagem, que ocorreu sobre um pano de fundo de manchas naturais remanescentes alteradas pelas transformações da morfologia urbana. A maioria dessas alterações evidencia mudanças no micro clima. Certamente, a análise das distribuições espaciais forneceu novos esclarecimentos sobre a estrutura da paisagem, que poderão ser explorados no planejamento do uso do solo. Esta é uma abordagem que fornece uma nova direção e oportunidade de pesquisa no que se refere a questões ambientais relativas ao processo de tomada de decisão, endereçada a objetivos ambientais com vistas ao desenvolvimento sócio-econômico, especialmente porque ressalta-se o fato de que não apenas os atributos físicos dos elementos da paisagem, mas também suas configurações espaciais são importantes determinantes na dinâmica do uso do solo
Abstract: The aim of this study was to propose relative vegetation and temperature indices which could reflect the changes occurred in the vegetation cover and urbanization patterns caused by transformations along the city of Curitiba (PR). Based on the results of these analysis it was achieved the analysis of the mainly population characteristics. Thus, it involved the study of land use patterns, the interactions between them within the landscape, and how these patterns and interactions change over the time. Therefore, three areas of Curitiba were selected by specific criteria and were studied and compared in terms of changing patterns and tendencies. Landsat TM and ETM+ images were used to identify different patterns of land cover providing a land use classification. In order to separate vegetated from built-up surfaces, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used as an indicator of vegetation presence, from of what the relative vegetation index (NDVI-R) was created. At the same time, values from the thermal band (band 6) of Landsat satellite were extracted as an indicator of thermal differences between land uses, based on that a relative temperature index (DN-R) was proposed and compared with the relative vegetation index (NDVI-R). A database was built identifying the main characteristics of population of each area, serving as support for an analysis between variables, providing scenarios for subsequent conflicts caused by landscape changes. By applying these techniques it was possible to verify the importance of the size and distribution of the vegetated areas in characterizing urbanized and semi urbanized areas. This comparative approach has demonstrated how landscape can be derived from satellite imagery providing a representation of changes in the urban spatial structure. Besides, it has showed how the rapid population growth and urban development trends along the city compete with sensitive environmental conditions in areas such as municipal parks and conservation areas. Every process involved changes in landscape composition, structure and function, which occurred on a backdrop of natural remaining patches altered by transformations of urban morphology. Most of these changes shows up micro climate changes. Certainly, the analysis of spatial distributions provided new insights about the landscape structure, which could be exploited in the land use planning. This is an approach that provides a new direction and research opportunity in terms of environmental issues on the agenda of policy makers, addressed towards environmental goals for social-economic development proposals specially because it highlighted the fact that not only the physical attributes of the landscape elements but also their spatial configuration were important determinants of land use dynamics
Doutorado
Planejamento e Desenvolvimento Rural Sustentável
Doutor em Engenharia Agrícola