Delimitation Of Zones Research Articles

Integrating Fuzzy Logic and Statistics to Improve the Reliable Delimitation of Biogeographic Regions and Transition Zones

This study uses the amphibian species of the Mediterranean basin to develop a consistent procedure based on fuzzy sets with which biogeographic regions and biotic transition zones can be objectively detected and reliably mapped. Biogeographical regionalizations are abstractions of the geographical organization of life on Earth that provide frameworks for cataloguing species and ecosystems, for answering basic questions in biogeography, evolutionary biology, and systematics, and for assessing priorities for conservation. On the other hand, limits between regions may form sharply defined boundaries along some parts of their borders, whereas elsewhere they may consist of broad transition zones. The fuzzy set approach provides a heuristic way to analyse the complexity of the biota within an area; significantly different regions are detected whose mutual limits are sometimes fuzzy, sometimes clearly crisp. Most of the regionalizations described in the literature for the Mediterranean biogeographical area present a certain degree of convergence when they are compared within the context of fuzzy interpretation, as many of the differences found between regionalizations are located in transition zones, according to our case study. Compared with other classification procedures based on fuzzy sets, the novelty of our method is that both fuzzy logic and statistics are used together in a synergy in order to avoid arbitrary decisions in the definition of biogeographic regions and transition zones.

Hydrographic and hydrogeological basin of Entre-Ribeiros: probable recharge zone delimitation and environmental impact assessment

The probable recharge zone delimitation of Entre-Ribeiros Basin (Northwest of the state of Minas Gerais / Brazil) is proposed in this study. The delimitation is based upon stratigraphy, geomorphology, geo-environmental domains and hydrogeology studies. Combining the recharge zone map with the land use variation between 1975 and 2008, the occupation trends of possible recharge zones are identified. Concluding, the environmental impacts for this basin are discussed.

Evaluation of Urban Fragmentation in Craiova City, Romania

Abstract The study aims at establishing an integrated method for the analysis of urban functional and spatial disparities induced by the structure and functional zoning of urban space. The study area is represented by an urban territorial unit of 90 000 square meters situated in the central area of Craiova. Computer-based cartographic conversion from satellite images provides the general metric scale of the analyzed territory. At this stage, the scientific approach is concerned with the elaboration and use of two metric indexes in order to calculate the functional fragmentation within the reference perimeter. There are presented criteria for the delimitation of functional zones by taking into account the predominant function of individually assessed perimeters. Furthermore, metric data is analyzed by the use of relative functional fragmentation index (RFf) and absolute functional fragmentation index (AFf). Recorded parameters are compared to the optimum values of space fragmentation in order to point out the functional and spatial disparities of urban space. The method can be easily used for the analysis of functional fragmentation of any urban areas or as part of more complex urban studies. It can also constitute a useful tool for territorial planning, better balance of urban territory and modification of functional units in order to meet specific standards in the economy of urban land use

Geração de zonas de manejo para cafeicultura empregando-se sensor SPAD e análise foliar

Objetiva-se, com este trabalho, definir zonas de manejo para cafeicultura por meio dos métodos K-Means e Fuzzy C-Means, com base em determinações realizadas com sensor de clorofila e por análise foliar, e avaliar as zonas de manejo obtidas usando-se os dois métodos de agrupamento. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na Fazenda Jatobá, localizada no município de Paula Cândido, MG, durante o mês de novembro de 2007, enquanto a lavoura se apresentava no estado "chumbinho". A área avaliada apresenta uma lavoura de Coffea arabica L. cv. Catuaí de 2,1 ha. Foram definidas, por meio dos dois métodos propostos, as zonas de manejo, com base nas seguintes análises: Valores de SPAD; concentrações foliares de N, P e K; concentrações foliares de N e Ca; concentrações foliares de N; concentrações foliares de N, Zn e B; concentrações foliares de N, P, K, Ca e S e concentrações foliares de N, Ca e S. Os métodos de agrupamento de dados K-Means e Fuzzy C-Means não apresentaram diferenças na geração das zonas de manejo. Houve baixa similaridade entre as zonas de manejo geradas com uso do SPAD e concentrações foliares.

Debris flow hazard modelling on medium scale: Valtellina di Tirano, Italy

Abstract. Debris flow hazard modelling at medium (regional) scale has been subject of various studies in recent years. In this study, hazard zonation was carried out, incorporating information about debris flow initiation probability (spatial and temporal), and the delimitation of the potential runout areas. Debris flow hazard zonation was carried out in the area of the Consortium of Mountain Municipalities of Valtellina di Tirano (Central Alps, Italy). The complexity of the phenomenon, the scale of the study, the variability of local conditioning factors, and the lacking data limited the use of process-based models for the runout zone delimitation. Firstly, a map of hazard initiation probabilities was prepared for the study area, based on the available susceptibility zoning information, and the analysis of two sets of aerial photographs for the temporal probability estimation. Afterwards, the hazard initiation map was used as one of the inputs for an empirical GIS-based model (Flow-R), developed at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland). An estimation of the debris flow magnitude was neglected as the main aim of the analysis was to prepare a debris flow hazard map at medium scale. A digital elevation model, with a 10 m resolution, was used together with landuse, geology and debris flow hazard initiation maps as inputs of the Flow-R model to restrict potential areas within each hazard initiation probability class to locations where debris flows are most likely to initiate. Afterwards, runout areas were calculated using multiple flow direction and energy based algorithms. Maximum probable runout zones were calibrated using documented past events and aerial photographs. Finally, two debris flow hazard maps were prepared. The first simply delimits five hazard zones, while the second incorporates the information about debris flow spreading direction probabilities, showing areas more likely to be affected by future debris flows. Limitations of the modelling arise mainly from the models applied and analysis scale, which are neglecting local controlling factors of debris flow hazard. The presented approach of debris flow hazard analysis, associating automatic detection of the source areas and a simple assessment of the debris flow spreading, provided results for consequent hazard and risk studies. However, for the validation and transferability of the parameters and results to other study areas, more testing is needed.

ElectroData: a FORTRAN Program to Evaluate Rotating Disc Electrode Data

The Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) hydrodynamic technique is well known as an important tool for obtaining the kinetic parameters of catalytic electrochemical reactions. Using RDE, a significant amount of data can be obtained and mathematical treatment is necessary for the elucidation of the catalytic behavior of materials. This mathematical procedure is normally performed using a spreadsheet through several repetitive steps applied to some hundred current-potential data pairs. To eliminate errors in these tedious calculations, it is convenient to have a computer program that makes calculations feasible and efficient. In this work we selected the FORTRAN language to build the required program. The most important characteristics of ElectroData are the automatic mixed control zone delimitation of RDE curves using a Stavitzky-Golay numerical derivation and smoothing, and the feasibility of obtaining Tafel curves through a Koutecký-Levich procedure to calculate the kinetic parameters of a certain reaction.

Establishing the soundness of administrative spatial units for operationalising the active living potential of residential environments: an exemplar for designing optimal zones

BackgroundIn health and place research, definitions of areas, area characteristics, and health outcomes should ideally be coherent with one another. Yet current approaches for delimiting areas mostly rely on spatial units "of convenience" such as census tracts. These areas may be homogeneous along socioeconomic conditions but heterogeneous along other environmental characteristics. This heterogeneity can lead to biased measurement of environment characteristics and misestimation of area effects on health. The objective of this study was to assess the soundness of census tracts as units of analysis for measuring the active living potential of environments, hypothesised to be associated with walking.ResultsStarting with data at the smallest census area level available, zones homogeneous along three indicators of active living potential, i.e. population density, land use mix, and accessibility to services were designed. Delimitation of zones ensued from statistical clustering of the smallest areas into seven clusters or "types of environment". Mapping of clusters into a GIS led to the delineation of 898 zones characterised by one of seven types of environment, corresponding to different levels of active living potential. Homogeneity of census tracts along indicators of active living potential varied. A greater proportion (83%) of variation in accessibility to services was attributable to differences between census tracts suggesting within-tract homogeneity along this variable. However, census tracts were heterogeneous with respect to population density and land use mix where a greater proportion of the variation was attributable to within-tract differences. About 55% of tracts were characterised by a combination of three or more "types of environment" suggesting substantial within-tract heterogeneity in the active living potential of environments.ConclusionSoundness of census tracts for measuring active living potential may be limited. Measuring active living potential with error may lead to misestimation of associations with walking, therefore limiting the correctness of inference about area effects on walking. Future studies should aim to determine homogeneity of spatial units "of convenience" along environment characteristics of interest prior to examining their association with health. Further evidence is needed to assess the extent of this methodological issue with other indicators of environment context relevant to other health indicators.

A Note on Maritime Delimitation in a Multizonal Context: The Case of the Mediterranean

This article points out some of the issues that may arise during the delimitation of maritime boundary in a sea area where coastal states have proclaimed various maritime zones. Issues considered include delimitation in the presence of overlapping or coincident zones, the role of existing boundaries, use of all-purpose maritime boundaries, and the delimitation of future zones. Special reference is made to the Mediterranean Sea where coastal states have advanced various claims consisting of zones sometimes different from the ones provided for in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

통킹만 경계획정을 통해본 중국의 해양경계획정 정책 및 우리나라 대응방안에 관한 연구

On 25 December 2000, China and Vietnam signed the Agreement on the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas, EEZs and Continental Shelves in the Tonkin Gulf. Three and a half years after signature, in June 2004, China and Vietnam both ratified a maritime boundary agreement for the Tonkin Gulf (Beibu Gulf) and the agreement entered into force. A potentially complicating factor in the negotiation process was likely to have been the status of the Sino-French Agreement of 1887. In the end, the agreement reached indicated that even if the status of the Sino-French Agreement of 1887 was part of the negotiations, both sides eventually agreed that it would not have an impact on the delimitation of maritime zones in the Gulf of Tonkin. Another crucial issue was the impact of the islands, in particular, the Vietnamese controlled Bach Long Vi Island and Con Co Island. Especially, Bach Long Vi Island was entitled to a half suite of maritime zones (3n.m. EEZ) and would impact the tracing of a line of equidistance in the Gulf of Tonkin. Minor as the point might be, Con Co Island also would have an impact for it would play a fixing terminal point for the boundary. Article 7 of the agreement is about minerals and hydrocarbons of cross-boundary deposit, and if any single geophysical structure of oil and gas or other mineral deposits should straddle the demarcation line, an agreement is to be reached on the development of the structure or deposit and on the most effective manner to equally share the profits resulting from the development.

Phylogeny-based delimitation of species boundaries and contact zones in the trilling chorus frogs ( Pseudacris)

Although the trilling chorus frogs (subclade within Pseudacris: Hylidae) have been important in studies of speciation, continental patterns of genetic diversity within and among species have not been elucidated. As a result, this North American clade has been the subject of substantial taxonomic debate. In this study, we examined the phylogenetic relationships among the trilling Pseudacris and tested previously hypothesized scenarios for speciation using 2.4 kb of mitochondrial 12S and 16S rRNA genes from 253 populations. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses, in combination with published morphological and behavioral data, support recognition of at least nine species, including an undescribed species from the south-central United States. Evidence is presented for substantial geographic subdivision within P. brachyphona (northern and southern clades) and P. feriarum (coastal and inland clades). Discordance between morphology/behavior and molecular data in several individuals suggests occasional hybridization between sympatric species. These results require major revision of range limits for several taxa, in particular, P. maculata, P. triseriata, and P. feriarum. Hypothesis tests using parametric bootstrapping strongly reject previously proposed scenarios for speciation in the group. The tests also support recognition of the geographically restricted taxon P. kalmi as a distinct species. Results of this study provide both a firm phylogenetic basis for future studies of speciation in the trilling Pseudacris and a taxonomic framework for conservation efforts.

Pairing geotechnics and fluvial hydraulics for the prediction of the hazard zones of an exceptional flooding

The direct consequences of exceptional floods are usually considered to be limited to the maximum flooding zone created downstream. However, considering the magnitude of the flows, the morphology of the flooded zone could undergo deep changes. To predict the hazard zone on a river undergoing exceptional flooding, numerical simulations are widely used. In this article, the simulation of the evolution of river reaches resulting from such catastrophic events is performed by coupling the hydraulic and sediment transport numerical model GSTARS with a developed slope stability model based on the Bishop's simplified method. This is a novel methodology for the delimitation of hazard zones along riverbanks by taking into consideration not only the flood risks but also the possible induced landslides. Indeed, each section of the river reach is subject to changes caused by the river hydraulics and the associated erosion or sediment deposition and also undergoes profile changes caused by possible landslides. The initial hydraulic and geotechnical characteristics are first defined and then used to test the stability of several slopes of representative sections of the river reaches before the dam break. Validation tests are performed on specific reaches of the Outaouais River (Quebec) undergoing a dam break flood.

Marine Boundaries: States and the United States

AbstractMarine boundaries between states of the United States and between the states and the United States have a long and contentious history. Disputes have arisen between states separated by a river and between states in extending their land boundaries seaward. Especially since the Submerged Lands Act of 1953, disputes between states and the federal United States over title to valuable resources in the three-mile coastal area measured from the shoreline have been sharp and continuous. The legal basis for the delimitation of marine zones, including common law, statutes and international law, has been explored, indicating the reliance of courts on all three sources plus equitable principles.

Discussion about the relationship between seismic belt and seismic statistical zone

This paper makes a summary of status of delimitation of seismic zones and belts of China firstly in aspects of studying history, purpose, usage, delimiting principles, various presenting forms and main specialties. Then the viewpoints are emphasized, making geographical divisions by seismicity is just the most important purpose of delimiting seismic belts and the concept of seismic belt is also quite different from that of seismic statistical zone used in CPSHA method. The concept of seismic statistical zone and its history of evolvement are introduced too. Large differences between these two concepts exist separately in their statistical property, actual meaning, gradation, required scale, and property of refusing to overlap each other, aim and usage of delimitation. But in current engineering practice, these two concepts are confused. On the one hand, it causes no fit theory for delimiting seismic statistical zone in PSHA to be set up; on the other hand, researches about delimitation of seismic belts with purposes of seismicity zoning and studying on structural environment, mechanism of earthquake generating also pause to go ahead. Major conclusions are given in the end of this paper, that seismic statistical zone bases on the result of seismic belt delimiting, it only arises in and can be used in the especial PSHA method of China with considering spatially and temporally inhomogeneous seismic activities, and its concept should be clearly differentiated from the concept of seismic belt.

A quantitative and constraint-specific method to assess the potential impact of new agricultural technology: the case of frost resistant potato for the Altiplano (Peru and Bolivia)

A quantitative and constraint-specific approach to assess the potential impact of new agricultural technology is described and applied to frost resistant potato cultivars for the Altiplano (Peru and Bolivia). The approach uses geo-referenced databases and a simulation model. Calculations are made for small grid cells, and no arbitrary delimitation of agroecological zones is needed. The LINTUL potato growth simulation model was adapted to incorporate the effect of frost damage on yield. High-resolution grids of monthly climate data were created for a number of variables, including absolute minimum temperature and its standard deviation, and used as input for the simulation model. The model was run for each grid cell, using a standard potato cultivar for which frost resistance parameters were changed in increments of 1 °C. A geo-referenced database of potato distribution was used to process the output of the simulation model to calculate potato-area weighted results. When frost resistance increases from −1 °C (current level) to −2 or −3 °C, average potato yield increases by 26 and 40%, respectively. After that, the effect tapers off and a further increase in resistance leads to only a small increase in simulated potato yield.

Maintenance of transient chaos using a neural-network-assisted feedback control.

A stable period-3 orbit in the parametric vicinity of a chaotic attractor is destabilized using two distinct feedback strategies. This results in the inception and subsequent maintenance of the otherwise short-lived chaotic transients. Both the techniques employed are based on the exclusion of trajectories from the near vicinity of the open loop stable period-3 attractor; the first relies on the traditional proportional feedback method while the second one includes a predictive term enabling delimitation of exclusion zones for the system dynamics. The implementation of these strategies involves construction of appropriate reference models in the form of an artificial-neural-network approximator.

Resource Issues in the Caspian Sea

The legal framework for managing resource issues in the Caspian Sea is currently being revised as a consequence of the decomposition of the former Soviet Union and coming into existence of the new independent republics bordering the sea. This paper analyses the legal regime of the Caspian Sea in relation to resource issues. The periods prior to and after the disintegration will be considered An assessment is made of the Russian proposal for the delimitation of resource zones in the Caspian Sea. Mechanisms available for establishing a juridical regime for sharing natural resources of the sea are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical merits. In conclusion, it is argued that if a modern international legal regime for the Caspian Sea is to be established, the Caspian Sea States will have to establish a fair, reasonable and sustainable distribution system for sharing the resources.

Mapping and measuring buildings in the canopy boundary layer in ten U.S. cities

This study reports on development of a method for inventorying characteristics of urban buildings with special emphasis on their surface construction materials. The work was conducted in response to stated needs from scientists engaged in acid rain damage studies, urban meteorologists interested in the condition of the canopy boundary layer of cities, and others involved in investigations of the physical character of the urban environment. In several instances, these scientists have had little choice but to derive physical (or morphological) characteristics of the city from available spatial data on featuring functional (rather than physical) aspects. The method developed, applicable globally, could support urban meteorological studies. The cities examined were: Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Houston, Denver, Seattle, and Sacramento. All exhibit a wide variety of urban landscapes, building types, and construction materials. High altitude color infrared aerial photographs (at Ames Research Center) were employed to delimit urban terrain zones prior to visiting each city for making direct observations and measurements. Criteria for zone delimitation are morphological and consist of building construction type, venting characteristics, age, density, and related street patterns, items recorded in the field survey were: building dimensions, height, type of roof, venting, and building surface material (e.g., stone, brick, concrete, wood). The data — aggregated by urban terrain zone — reveal, for example, that wall and roof surfaces in areas of tall, densely spaced buildings exceed the ground surface. Conversely, wall and roof areas of low density single-family detached houses form only a small proportion of the ground surface area. These three-dimensional data provide a far more detailed view of the canopy boundary layer in cities than is possible using two-dimensional surface measurements alone. Data analysis also reveals that many of the urban terrain zones (especially those in commercial and industrial areas) are remarkably similar regardless of the city's location. As expected, the dominance of local building materials is more important in houses and other small buildings.

Mapping of Amery Ice Shelf, Antarctica, Surface Features by Satellite Altimetry

Ice shelves are important regions to observe because they are likely to be sensitive indicators of climatic change. The satellite-borne radar altimetry is highly suited to ice-shelf monitoring; experience with Seasat, which flew in 1978, has demonstrated that a height-measurement precision of the order of 1 m can be obtained over ice surfaces (Brooks and Others 1983). We identify subtle changes in altimeter wave forms associated with crevassed zones and the grounding line. Normal retracking procedures are shown to be inadequate in detecting such changes, and so methods which provide sensitive indication of the presence of these features in the sampled areas are devised. By ranging to the first return in the echo, the grounding line is identified, and by differencing this measurement with the half-peak power range, a measure of surface roughness is obtained which can be used to detect crevassed zones. Detection of crevassed shear zones allows delimitation of distinct zones of flow in the ice shelf which can be monitored by future altimeter missions. Monitoring of the grounding-line position can provide sensitive indication of mass-balance conditions over the grounded part of the drainage basin.

Mapping of Amery Ice Shelf, Antarctica, Surface Features by Satellite Altimetry

Ice shelves are important regions to observe because they are likely to be sensitive indicators of climatic change. The satellite-borne radar altimetry is highly suited to ice-shelf monitoring; experience with Seasat, which flew in 1978, has demonstrated that a height-measurement precision of the order of 1 m can be obtained over ice surfaces (Brooks and Others 1983).We identify subtle changes in altimeter wave forms associated with crevassed zones and the grounding line. Normal retracking procedures are shown to be inadequate in detecting such changes, and so methods which provide sensitive indication of the presence of these features in the sampled areas are devised. By ranging to the first return in the echo, the grounding line is identified, and by differencing this measurement with the half-peak power range, a measure of surface roughness is obtained which can be used to detect crevassed zones.Detection of crevassed shear zones allows delimitation of distinct zones of flow in the ice shelf which can be monitored by future altimeter missions. Monitoring of the grounding-line position can provide sensitive indication of mass-balance conditions over the grounded part of the drainage basin.

Phytosociological Observations on the Vegetation of Burnt and Unburnt Areas near Ibadan, Nigeria

Phytosociological Observations on the Vegetation of Burnt and Unburnt Areas near Ibadan, Nigeria