Spatial Preference Modelling for equitable infrastructure provision: an application of Sen’s Capability Approach

To determine whether the inclusion of spatial neighbourhood comparison factors in Preference Modelling allows spatial decision support systems (SDSSs) to better address spatial equity, we introduce Spatial Preference Modelling (SPM). To evaluate the effectiveness of this model in addressing equity, various standardisation functions in both Non-Spatial Preference Modelling and SPM are compared. The evaluation involves applying the model to a resource location-allocation problem for transport infrastructure in the Special Province of Yogyakarta in Indonesia. We apply Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach to define opportunity to mobility as a non-income indicator. Using the extended Moran’s I interpretation for spatial equity, we evaluate the distribution output regarding, first, ‘the spatial distribution patterns of priority targeting for allocation’ (SPT) and, second, ‘the effect of new distribution patterns after location-allocation’ (ELA). The Moran’s I index of the initial map and its comparison with six patterns for SPT as well as ELA consistently indicates that the SPM is more effective for addressing spatial equity. We conclude that the inclusion of spatial neighbourhood comparison factors in Preference Modelling improves the capability of SDSS to address spatial equity. This study thus proposes a new formal method for SDSS with specific attention on resource location-allocation to address spatial equity.     

~(40)Ar/~(39)Ar Age and Geological Significance of Lamprophyres in Pishan on the SW Margin of the Tarim Terrane, NW China

The dike swarm of lamprophyres at Pishan on the SW margin of the Tarim terrane is composed of ultra-potassic lamprophyres that have intruded into the Proterozoic hornblende schists. 40Ar/39Ar dating data suggest that the isochron ages for phlogopite and whole rock separates of the lamprophyres are 231.7±0.3 Ma and 228.5±0.3 Ma, respectively. Geochemical data indicate that the dikes were derived from a subduction-related or metasomatized mantle. During the Middle-Late Triassic the western Kunlun area entered the post-orogeny period, and thus the occurrence of the dike swarm in the study area may have been controlled by underplating.     

A NON-PARAMETRIC CLASS MODELLING TECHNIQUE

A non-parametric method for supervised pattern recognition is presented. The method is of the classmodelling type, meaning that a classification rule is developed for each class, using the dissimilaritiesbetween the objects of the class. The dissimilarities between the objects within a class are related to thedistances between all pairs of training objects. As distance metric, a measure is proposed that takes thecorrelation between the interval-scale variables into account, and that moreover can be used for mixedtypes of variables. The classification rule is based on the construction of a boundary in the measurementspace. For the determination of the class boundary, several strategies are proposed and compared. The performance of the technique is evaluated on the basis of several data sets. Comparison with theclass modelling technique UNEQ shows its usefulness for practical applications.