Priority Zones Research Articles

APPLICATION OF THE OVERLAY WEIGHTED MODEL AND BOOLEAN LOGIC TO DETERMINE THE BEST LOCATIONS FOR ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE OF GROUNDWATER

With population increase, lack of conventional fresh water resources and uncertainties due to climate change, there is growing interest in the arid and semi-arid areas to increase groundwater recharge with recycled water. Finding the best locations for artificial recharge of groundwater in such areas is one of the most crucial design steps to guarantee the long life and the sustainability of these projects. This study presents two ways to go about performing analysis; creating a suitability map to find out the suitability of every location on the map and another way is querying the created data sets to obtain a Boolean result of true or false map. These techniques have been applied on Sadat Industrial City which is located in a semi arid area in the western desert fringes of The Nile delta in the north west of Egypt. Thematic layers for number of parameters were prepared from some maps and satellite images and they have been classified, weighted and integrated in ArcGIS environment. By the means of the overlay weighted model in ArcGIS a suitability map which is classified into number of priority zones was obtained and it could be compared with the obtained true-false map of Boolean logic. Both methods suggested mostly the northern parts of the city for groundwater recharge; however the weighted model could give more accurate suitability map while Boolean logic suggested wider ranges of areas. This study recommends Boolean logic as a first estimator for locating the best locations as it is easier and not time consuming, while the overlay weighted model for more accurate results.

Development priority zoning (DPZ)-led scenario simulation for regional land use change: The case of Suichang County, China

China has experienced an extraordinary level of economic development since the 1990s, following excessive competition between different regions. This has resulted in many resource and environmental problems. Land resources, for example, are either abused or wasted in many regions. The strategy of development priority zoning (DPZ), proposed by the Chinese National 11th Five-Year Plan, provides an opportunity to solve these problems by coordinating regional development and protection. In line with the rational utilization of land, it is proposed that the DPZ strategy should be integrated with regional land use policy. As there has been little research to date on this issue, this paper introduces a system dynamic (SD) model for assessing land use change in China led by the DPZ strategy. Land use is characterized by the prioritisation of land development, land utilization, land harness and land protection (D-U-H-P). By using the Delphi method, a corresponding suitable prioritisation of D-U-H-P for the four types of development priority zones, including optimized development zones (ODZ), key development zones (KDZ), restricted development zones (RDZ), and forbidden development zones (FDZ) are identified. Suichang County is used as a case study in which to conduct the simulation of land use change under the RDZ strategy. The findings enable a conceptualization of DPZ-led land use change and the identification of further implications for land use planning generally. The SD model also provides a potential tool for local government to combine DPZ strategy at the national level with land use planning at the local level.

Correlates of sedentary behavior in 7 to 9-year-old French children are dependent on maternal weight status

Sedentary behavior accounts for overweight and obesity, independently of physical activity. Correlates of sedentary behavior have not been extensively reported in the literature. Our objective was to determine factors associated with such behavior in 7 to 9-year-old French children in 2007, and to assess interactions between the identified correlates. A nationally representative sample of 2525 children participated in the study. Television viewing, video/computer duration and characteristics of the children and their parents were assessed using a questionnaire completed by the parents. Correlates of television viewing (<2 h per day versus ≥ 2 h per day) as a proxy for sedentary behavior were estimated using multivariate logistic regression. On an average, children spent more than 2 h per day in front of a screen (television: 1 h 32 min (s.e.m.: ± 0 h 02 min); video/computer: 0 h 40 min (± 0 h 02 min)). Television viewing duration was associated with sociodemographic (child's age, weight status, socio-economic characteristics of the family) and behavioral factors (physical and lifestyle activities). In children of non-overweight mothers, risk of spending ≥ 2 h per day in front of a television was significantly higher in those over 9 (versus 7 years: odds ratio (OR): 2.07; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.04-4.11), living in an educational priority zone (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.08-2.44), who were not members of a sports team (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.47-3.41), nor declared active by parents (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.13-3.25), and whose parents' education level was lower than high school (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.24-2.72). In contrast, in children of overweight mothers, only the criteria of ≥ 4 children in the family (versus 2-3 children: OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.05-3.35) and no reported parental occupation (versus manager or white collar: OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.11-0.76) were associated with watching television ≥ 2 h per day. Correlates of sedentary behavior in 7 to 9-year-old children vary according to maternal overweight. Maternal body mass index must therefore be taken into account when developing strategies to prevent a sedentary lifestyle in children.

Choices of Environmental Policy and Principle Functions Orientated on the Fragile Ecological Areas of Northwest Sichuan Province

Based on the strategy of development priority zones and the requirements of regional policies in China, this paper discusses the main function orientation of ecologically-vulnerable areas of northwestern Sichuan in its social and economic development. A series of development strategies in terms of regional industry development, population distribution, ecological restoration and protection are put forward. Several environmental policies are discussed, such as building up the opening ecological protection mechanism, further improving ecological compensation policy and the establishment of green GDP system. This work has positive theoretical and realistic significance for us to seize the opportunities of the new round of West Development, promote the coordinated development of Sichuan and ensure the ecological safety of the Yangtze River and the Yellow River.

He Conflict between Persons concerned with Education Welfare Priority Zone Plan: Its Phenomena and essence

he Conflict between Persons concerned with Education Welfare Priority Zone Plan: Its Phenomena and essence

Effects analyses of education welfare investment priority zone plan

Effects analyses of education welfare investment priority zone plan

ANALISIS PENGEMBANGAN KOTA PEKALONGAN SEBAGAI SALAH SATU KAWASAN ANDALAN DI JAWA TENGAH

The aim of this research is to identify characteristics of Pekalongan city as priority zone. Those characteristics are high growth and high income, leading sector, and interrelatedness economy with other region. For this purpose, it’s used by analysis tool : Klassen Tipology, Location Quotient ( LQ ), Growth Ratio Model (GRM), Overlay, Shift Share, and Gravity Model. The results show that Pekalongan city in the classify low growth and high income region. By using LQ analysis that in Pekalongan City there are almost all sectors in Pekalongan City are leading sectors, except agriculture sector and industry sector, but by using overlay and shift share analys show those true sectors have competitive advantage and specialize two sectors only, they are trading sector and finance sector. By using gravity model to describe there are belong to related fervent by closeness trend increasing expanded as miter cooperate in area developing, they are Batang Regency and Pekalongan Regency. By all account have done. They can be taken conclusion that’s decisioned Pekalongan city as Region key or less appropriate. Although if were observerd by some leading sector or there are related economy among decision area Pekalongan City it’s appropriate. Keywors: Priority zone, Klassen Tipology, Overlay, Gravity Model

How to select the best tree planting locations to enhance air pollution removal in the MillionTreesNYC initiative

Highest priority zones for tree planting within New York City were selected by using a planting priority index developed combining three main indicators: pollution concentration, population density and low canopy cover. This new tree population was projected through time to estimate potential air quality and carbon benefits. Those trees will likely remove more than 10 000 tons of air pollutants and a maximum of 1500 tons of carbon over the next 100 years given a 4% annual mortality rate. Cumulative carbon storage will be reduced through time as carbon loss through tree mortality outweighs carbon accumulation through tree growth. Model projections are strongly affected by mortality rate whose uncertainties limit estimations accuracy. Increasing mortality rate from 4 to 8% per year produce a significant decrease in the total pollution removal over a 100 year period from 11 000 tons to 3000 tons.

Evaluating Tsunami Impact on the Gulf of Cadiz Coast (Northeast Atlantic)

The Gulf of Cadiz coasts are exposed to tsunamis. Emergency planning tools are now taking into account this fact, especially because a series of historical occurrences were strikingly significant, having left strong evidence behind, in the mareographic records, the geological evidence or simply the memory of the populations. The study area is a strip along the Algarve coast, south Portugal, an area known to have been heavily impacted by the 1 November 1755 event. In this study we use two different tsunami scenarios generated by the rupture of two thrust faults identified in the area, corresponding to 8.1–8.3 magnitude earthquakes. Tsunami propagation and inundation computation is performed using a non-linear shallow water code with bottom friction. Numerical modeling results are presented in terms of flow depth and current velocity with maximum values of 7 m and 8 m/s for inundation depth and flow speed, respectively. These results constitute a valuable tool for local authorities, emergency and decision planners to define the priority zones where tsunami mitigation measures must be implemented and to develop tsunami-resilient communities.

Assessing the current state of the Gironde Estuary by mapping priority contaminant distribution and risk potential in surface sediment

Abstract Based on high spatial resolution monitoring, the first spatial distribution maps for the eight trace elements identified as priority contaminants in aquatic systems (i.e. As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in surface sediments of the Gironde Estuary (SW France) are presented. This large European fluvial–estuarine system is known for important historical multi-element (mainly Cd, Zn, Cu and Pb) pollution by former mining and mineral processing activation in the Riou-Mort watershed located 350 km upstream the estuary. As a consequence, oyster production in the estuary is prohibited, and Cd concentrations in oysters from the Marennes-Oleron area are close to consumption thresholds. Surface sediment samples were analysed for grain size, particulate organic C and trace element concentrations. Determination of trace elements was carried out by ICP-MS for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Th and Zn, and by CV-AAS for Hg. Total and potentially released trace element stocks in the surface sediment were evaluated by using concentrations in the estuary and in selected sediment core. Assuming that sediment resuspension affects mainly the uppermost sediment layer, the total trace element stocks in the studied 0–10 cm depth range may represent the equivalent of one (Cd) to eight (As, Cr) times the annual fluvial trace element inputs into the estuary. Comparing total trace element concentrations in surface sediment with: (i) data on the regional geochemical baseline to evaluate the potentially remobilised fraction and (ii) the potentially bioavailable fraction aimed at establishing a first spatially resolved risk assessment of the trace element “cocktail” present in these sediments at the estuary scale. After correction for grain size effects by Th normalisation, potentially highly toxic metals such as Cd and Hg showed the highest enrichment factors. From ecotoxicological indices, areas were identified and quantified where trace element levels and mobility may bear a risk to benthic organisms. The GIS-based spatial distribution of ecotoxicological indices for the trace element “cocktail” suggests that ∼95% of the surface sediment are ‘Low–Medium’-priority zones, highlighting the need for further impact studies. The produced maps of trace element distributions and associated risk potentials are likely to be a useful tool to authorities in charge of sustainable estuarine management, e.g. for the optimisation of dredging activities or development of the estuarine infrastructure.

Enhancing the Farm Bill's Conservation Potential Through Land Prioritization

ABSTRACT The Farm Bill conservation programs serve as the primary tools for the creation and improvement of wildlife habitat on working lands. Wildlife conservation would benefit from a working land‐prioritization system that integrates these programs. We developed a Geographic Information System (GIS)–based system to prioritize land for inclusion in Farm Bill conservation programs. We designed the system to be applicable throughout the United States, to minimize potential conflicts of interest, and to facilitate simple implementation. We designated high conservation value (HCV) lands using habitats of greatest conservation need. We placed priority zones around HCV lands to determine high‐ and low‐priority working lands. Nationwide implementation of this system would require gathering and manipulating data from multiple sources, as well as creation of a GIS layer denoting locations of working lands currently in conservation programs. This system would allow funding to be maximized through the ability to select participation based on property location and size, and to target landowners for participation. The wide‐ranging potential benefits of this system make it well‐suited for serving as the backbone to conservation on working lands.

Personality Traits and Students' Misbehavior: Effects on French Physical Education Teachers' Anger Response

The aim was to assess intensities of State Anger over one week, reported by physical education teachers working in Education Priority Zone schools, to obtain descriptive data in diaries of these teachers' actions and reactions related to students' misbehavior. French physical education teachers (N=175) completed the Trait Anger Scale, the Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y2, the Self-Esteem Scale, and the Depression Inventory. Cutoff scores on Trait Anger provided two groups (High Trait Anger, n=44 and Low Trait Anger, n=24). Participants (N=68) recorded State Anger and gave information about student misbehaviors in memorandums. Analysis showed mean State Anger was low. Participants' Trait Anger and personality correlates suggested they differed in reactions to students' misbehaviors. Findings were discussed in relation to the literature.

POPs in Mountain Soils from the Alps and Andes: Suggestions for a ‘Precipitation Effect’ on Altitudinal Gradients

POPs are still a priority environmental problem, but can be used as a scientific tool for understanding the distribution phenomena. Both high mountains and polar areas are seen as priority zones for contamination studies. In this context, two altitudinal series of soil samples were analysed for several classes of Persistent Organic Pollutants (PCBs, DDTs, HCHs, HCB and chlordane). Two transects were carried out – one in the Peruvian Andes (Cordillera Blanca) and the other in the Italian Alps (Mount Legnone). In these two areas, POP composition and levels both gave different results, linked to regional emission history. The Italian samples were characterized by high levels of industrial type compounds, and by surprisingly high DDT contamination, due to a defined consistent local source in Northern Italy. The Peruvian samples, on the other hand, were characterized by generally low POP levels with relatively high DDT contamination. The concentration increase in line with elevation was evident only in the Italian transect, where higher precipitation intensities and an increasingly higher precipitation gradient in accordance with altitude was found present. Precipitations are considered a key factor for enhancing the condensation effect at high altitudes and for reducing summer revolatilisation, as they lower soil temperature. In the Italian altitudinal gradient, evidence of fractionation processes, with a shift of the PCB composition towards less chlorinated congeners, and a vegetation effect with a mean woodland/grassland enrichment factor between 2 and 4 were also observed.

GIS model for geothermal resource exploration in Akita and Iwate prefectures, northern Japan

In this study, a Geographic Information System (GIS) is used as a decision-making tool to target potential regional-scale geothermal resources in the Akita and Iwate prefectures of northern Japan. The aims of the study are to determine the relationships between geothermal wells and geological, geochemical, and thermal data layers within the GIS and to use these relationships to identify promising areas for geothermal exploration. We calculated the distances from existing productive geothermal wells to Quaternary volcanic rocks, calderas and craters, faults, hot springs, fumaroles, and hydrothermal alteration zones. The dominant distances were then defined for each evidence layer. We used ArcMap to develop a GIS Model for Geothermal Resource Exploration (GM-GRE) consisting of geoprocessing tools and a modelbuilder. Areas of geothermal potential were defined and prioritized by assigning a weighted overlying selection query for geological, geochemical, and thermal data layers. The result shows that 97% of currently productive geothermal wells in Akita and Iwate prefectures are located within the first priority zone selected by the GM-GRE.

Determining areas that require indoor insecticide spraying using Multi Criteria Evaluation, a decision-support tool for malaria vector control programmes in the Central Highlands of Madagascar

BackgroundThe highlands of Madagascar present an unstable transmission pattern of malaria. The population has no immunity, and the central highlands have been the sites of epidemics with particularly high fatality. The most recent epidemic occurred in the 1980s, and caused about 30,000 deaths. The fight against malaria epidemics in the highlands has been based on indoor insecticide spraying to control malaria vectors. Any preventive programme involving generalised cover in the highlands will require very substantial logistical support. We used multicriteria evaluation, by the method of weighted linear combination, as basis for improved targeting of actions by determining priority zones for intervention.ResultsImage analysis and field validation showed the accuracy of mapping rice fields to be between 82.3% and 100%, and the Kappa coefficient was 0.86 to 0.99.A significant positive correlation was observed between the abundance of the vector Anopheles funestus and temperature; the correlation coefficient was 0.599 (p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between vector abundance and human population density: the correlation coefficient was -0.551 (p < 0.003). Factor weights were determined by pair-wise comparison and the consistency ratio was 0.04. Risk maps of the six study zones were obtained according to a gradient of risk. Nine of thirteen results of alert confirmed by the Epidemiological Surveillance Post were in concordance with the risk map.ConclusionThis study is particularly valuable for the management of vector control programmes, and particularly the reduction of the vector population with a view to preventing disease. The risk map obtained can be used to identify priority zones for the management of resources, and also help avoid systematic and generalised spraying throughout the highlands: such spraying is particularly difficult and expensive.The accuracy of the mapping, both as concerns time and space, is dependent on the availability of data. Continuous monitoring of malaria transmission factors must be undertaken to detect any changes. A regular case notification allows risk map to be verified. These actions should therefore be implemented so that risk maps can be satisfactorily assessed.

Identifying Conservation Priority Zones for Effective Management of Tropical Forests in Eastern Ghats of India

Identifying Conservation Priority Zones for Effective Management of Tropical Forests in Eastern Ghats of India

Heritage tourism in Tunisia: Development one‐way choice

Tunisian tourism plays a significant role in the economical balance of the country, providing an important source of entry to foreign currency, thanks to its privileged geographical situation, proximate to Europe, and as well to its protected and preserved cultural, physical and environmental resources and heritage. This steadily developing tourism is the result of socio‐political stability, a prerequisite for a harmonious development of the tourism sector, known to be precarious. Investment in hotels and related services devoted to tourists is progressing. However, within the framework of diversifying tourism products, cultural and natural sites tend to offer further potential economic opportunities. The former choice made with regard to developing tourism zones focusing on the coast has caused a lack of balance in the economical development of the different regions of the country, thus instilling a feeling of frustration among many inhabitants in the remaining inland areas. A benefit from equivalent attention allowing them to better their socio‐economic conditions is desired by many. National programs in matter of developing the tourism sector, as well as setting priority zones in such a framework, and incentives for cultural and ecological tourism, have been repeatedly publicized. Yet, the administrations in charge of the execution of these programs do not seem to keep pace with the decision‐makers. Where is the problem? Why is there such a misunderstanding causing dialogue to be difficult and somehow despairing vis‐à‐vis a local population intending to be enabled to realize appropriate projects based on a sustainable development of their patrimonial wealth?

Priority Zones for Mediterranean protected agro sylvo pastoral landscapes

The conservation of Mediterranean protected agro sylvo pastoral landscapes very often has to reconcile conflicting forces related to socio-economic interests on the one hand and the needs of biodiversity protection on the other. These latter can be relevant in defining the environmental ranges and the biological constraints on which a sustainable use of protected landscapes should be developed. In this regard, the design of protected areas and their zoning play a pivotal role determining where and which activities should or should not be carried out. This paper considers two neighbouring parks in southern Italy, both characterized by large expanses of Mediterranean steppe grasslands and inhabited by the largest Italian population of the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni). In the study area, the lesser kestrels nest mainly in the historical centres of the towns surrounding the parks and feed in large open areas occupied mainly by cereal crops and steppe grasslands. Given the ecological role and the high conservation value of the lesser kestrel, the design of the two parks should encompass those areas needed to preserve the local population. In order to determine whether steppe variables (amount and types, at different distances from nest sites) were significant predictors of the colony sizes (dependent variables) of the lesser kestrel, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. The analysis showed colony size to be correlated significantly with the amount of steppe within a radius of 7.5 km of the nesting site. On the basis of these results, we identified and delimited in each park the so-called “Priority Zones”, that is the zones that should be the major focus of conservation efforts. We then compared the boundaries of these “Priority Zones” with those of the parks, as they were already defined, highlighting the implications for biodiversity conservation.

The French Educational System: Issues and Debates

AbstractThis paper describes the main features of the French Educational system and analyses the ongoing controversies surrounding pre-elementary education, grade repetition, class size reduction or educational priority zones in France.

Implementation of flood risk management measures into spatial plans and policies

AbstractFloods and risk in river basins can only effectively be reduced if, in addition to technical measures, spatial planning regulates land use in flood‐prone areas. The development of new settlements and industry has to be kept out of the main risk zones. Furthermore detention areas as well as room for river functions must be safeguarded in a long‐term perspective. To make the requirements of flood risk management applicable for regional planning approaches, the Rhine basin is divided into eight different ‘action areas’, according to the following criteria: (1) prevailing flood danger, (2) geophysical situation and (3) possible effects of retention measures. Groups of required actions are assigned to each action area. By this means the framework for regional flood risk management in the Rhine basin is determined.In this framework the improved application of regulative instruments is recommended. Based on obligatory hazard maps graded for different planning levels, regional and local planning activities have to regulate the land use in flood‐prone and detention areas. A two‐zone concept is recommended. Priority zones shall prevent the rise of vulnerability in high risk zones. Reserve zones deliver restrictions and demands on precautionary measures concerning the constructions. The comparison of different planning systems in countries throughout the Rhine basin shows many similarities but also fundamental differences in the planning instruments and their application. In the framework of an interregional co‐operation structure (‘flood management alliance’) it is recommended that the approaches are harmonized in terms of a common basic methodology. Additionally, financial compensation and burden sharing between downstream and upstream regions have to support the implementation of the strategies into spatial plans and policies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.