Applications of a GIS-based geotechnical tool to assess spatial earthquake hazards in an urban area

A geotechnical information system (GTIS) was constructed within a spatial geographic information system (GIS) framework to reliably predict geotechnical information and accurately estimate site effects at Gyeongju, an urban area in South Korea. The system was built based on both collected and performed site investigation data in addition to acquired geo-knowledge data. Seismic zoning maps were constructed using the site period (T _G) and mean shear wave velocity to a depth of 30 m (V _S30), and these maps were presented as a regional strategy to mitigate earthquake-induced risks in the study area. In particular, the T _G distribution map indicated the susceptibility to ground motion resonance in periods ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 s and the corresponding seismic vulnerability of buildings with two to five stories. Seismic zonation of site classification according to V _S30 values was also performed to determine the site amplification coefficients for seismic design and seismic performance evaluation at any site and administrative subunit in the study area. In addition, we investigated the site effects according to subsurface and surface ground irregularities at Gyeongju by seismic response analyses in time domains based on both two- and three-dimensional spatial finite element models, which were generated using spatial interface coordinates between geotechnical subsurface layers predicted by the GTIS. This practical study verified that spatial GIS-based geotechnical information can be a very useful resource in determining how to best mitigate seismic hazards, particularly in urban areas.     

A combined methodology to assess the intrinsic vulnerability of aquifers to pollution from agrochemicals

The groundwater vulnerability indices are valuable tools for the development of agrochemicals management strategies based on environmental/agricultural policies. The groundwater vulnerability methods of LOS, SINTACS, DRASTIC, Pesticide DRASTIC, GOD and AVI were applied for the agricultural fields of Sarigkiol basin (Northern Greece). The results of the aforementioned methods were examined and discussed in order to show how the dissimilarities in the vulnerability assessment approaches may become an advantage. The results of the methods were used to propose a combined conceptual approach which adds another two dimensions (depth and time) in the current two-dimensional vulnerability mapping (longitude, latitude) procedures. The LOS method provided information about the intrinsic vulnerability of the topsoil (30 cm) to water (+conservative pollutants) and nitrogen losses, and the AVI method described the vulnerability of the unsaturated zone to allow pollutants to reach the aquifer while the aquifer vulnerability was analysed using SINTACS, DRASTIC, Pesticide DRASTIC and GOD. In this study, the results of the SINTACS method were found more accurate to describe the local aquifer conditions. The final conceptual approach provided a stratified vulnerability (dimension of depth) of the overall hydrogeologic system using LOS for the topsoil, AVI for unsaturated zone and SINTACS for the aquifer. The dimension of time was introduced by the LOS and AVI methods, which provide quantitative results in time. The use of LOS method also highlighted the basic limitation of the other methods to describe the potential contribution to pollution of areas (especially upland areas) which are out of the aquifer boundaries.     

Temporal and spatial evaluation of environmental noise in urban area: a case study in Iran

Environmental noise pollution is a disrupting factor in the urban areas which can lead to adverse health effects, behavior and quality of life. Present study was carried out in Tabriz (Iran) and aimed to achieve a real condition of noise pollution. Thirty-five measurement stations were selected, and noise levels were recorded. The equivalent noise level in (A) frequency weighting network, route-mean-square sound pressure level, minimum sound pressure level, maximum sound pressure level and noise pollution level were computed as applicable indices. Temporal and spatial variability of these noise indices were plotted by Arc GIS. Public awareness about the noise pollution was assessed through interview. Mixed model and pairwise comparisons were used for comparison of noise indices based on stations and times. It was found that noise levels were significantly different and higher than permissible levels at most stations, especially at heavily travelled crossroads and squares. Mean equivalent noise level for morning, noon, afternoon and night was 71.35 ± 7.49, 71.63 ± 4.90, 70.67 ± 4.52 and 68.74 ± 5.22 dB(A), respectively. The noise indices of all stations and measurement times had significant difference (p value = 0.028 and 0.019, respectively). It was observed that in normal traffic, the highest sound levels are produced by buses, trucks and motorbikes due to low-technology engines. Using the horn was the first reflex of the most drivers. A main part of the noise pollution problem of the studied city can be attributed to driving culture and non-compliance with traffic laws.     

Analyzing spatial disparities in access to health care: A methodology with application in Bangladesh

This paper develops a methodology for analyzing spatial disparities in access to health care in situations where the data base is limited, and applies it in the context of Bangladesh. The proposed indirect measures of inpatient and outpatient service utilization, and of quality of available services, seem to provide reasonably accurate, consistent, and interpretable results; these indices are combined into a composite index of relative access to health care. The form of the composite index and its components permits the incorporation of Sopher's disparity index into the methodology for measuring urban-rural disparities in relative access to health care. The empirical analysis based on subdivision level data revealed that Bangladesh's health care delivery system is, in general, characterized by extremely low level of access and a high degree of disparity in favor of urban areas, especially in terms of inpatient services. Spatial patterns of relative access and urban/rural disparity were perused through cartographic and statistical analyses; although clear-cut regional patterns did not emerge, the considerable spatial variations could be explained largely with reference to urbanization and density of population. Assuming improved level of access and minimal urban/rural disparity as basic policy goals a method to prioritize spatial units for future allocation of health sector resources is recommended.The author gratefully acknowledges the helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper by Dr. S. M. Bhardwaj, Professor of Geography, Kent State University.     

The application of in vitro gastrointestinal extraction to assess oral bioaccessibility of potentially toxic elements from an urban recreational site

The use of in vitro gastrointestinal extraction to assess the oral bioaccessibility of 7 potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from soil derived from an urban recreational site, has been assessed. The pseudo-total concentration of the 7 PTEs was determined using microwave digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The bioaccessible fraction was determined and the data compared to the pseudo-total concentrations to determine % bioaccessibility. A generic quantitative risk assessment (GQRA) was undertaken on the pseudo-total PTE concentration of the site by comparing the values with soil guideline (SGV) or generic assessment criteria (GAC) using the residential land use scenario. Based on the GQRA, concentrations of 3 of the PTEs investigated within the soils could present a potential risk to site users. Consideration of receptor exposure and bioaccessibility data allowed a more considered approach to human-health risk assessment at this site. Although the bioaccessibility data did not significantly alter the sites preliminary designation as contaminated (As and Pb concentrations exceeded the GAC even in the in vitro extracts) bioaccessibility data are clearly an additional tool towards furthering our understanding of human-health risk at contaminated sites and have the potential to act as a pragmatic decision-support tool.     

The spatial analysis of thunderstorm hazard in Iran

In this study, monthly, quarterly, and annual frequency data of thunderstorm days of 25 long-term synoptic weather stations during the period from 1960 to 2010 were analyzed applying Ward’s Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (WHCA) Method and Kriging Geostatistical Method (KGM). The results of temporal analysis of Thunderstorm Days (TD) in Iran showed that in terms of frequency, seasonal occurrence of this phenomenon is mostly in transitional seasons of spring and autumn. The results of WHCA to find homogeneous places in terms of synchronization and timing of TD reflects the fact that there are five clusters with similar memberships, including the North West, West, the southern part, northern, central, and northeastern parts, eastern regions, and center of Iran, and in this classification, the frequency of occurrence of TD reduces in the same order the regions are mentioned. In contrast, the lowest frequency of TD is in summer and winter seasons. In this study, it was found that among various deterministic and geostatistical methods, KGM is the most suitable one for thunderstorms hazard zonation and for classifying the different regions based on thunderstorm occurrence; WHCA is more suitable than other methods. The results of spatial analysis of thunderstorms point to the fact that the core of the mentioned thunderstorms is mostly in mountainous areas, particularly, highlands of North West and West of Iran. With regard to place, in the West part of the country, especially North West (Tabriz, Oroomieh, and Zanjan stations) and West, thunderstorms have higher frequencies, while the South East, South, Central, and eastern regions are less affected by the thunderstorm hazard.     

The spatial configuration of innovation networks in China

China is rising and gradually developing into an innovation-oriented economy. This transition is fueled by public and private investment in education and by increasing inputs into science and technology. Little attention, however, has been paid to the great differences in China-specific context peculiarity. Hence, the paper assesses Chinese innovation networks using a comprehensive analytical model that includes network configuration, regional environment, government interference and firm attributes. The empirical analysis examines China’s machinery manufacturing industry to test the determinants of the spatial character of Chinese innovation networks based on questionnaire surveys and illustrative cases. Our study finds that Chinese innovation networks are affected not only by innovation resource endowments and firm attributes, but also by government interference and regional culture. Regarding the influence of regional culture, the typical Northern culture with the importance of guanxi plays an important role in the process of searching for partners and makes the innovation network and interpersonal network interwoven. Firms’ ownership and innovation ability are the two essential variables to determine whether any of the regional elements are of significance.     

Identifying the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of precipitation in Iran

Precipitation has been regarded as one of the most important meteorological parameters affecting human activities. The findings of research studies confirm that the variability and fluctuation in precipitation has direct impacts on climate of a given region. The purpose of the present study was to investigate long-term patterns in precipitation variation in Iran. To this end, the available data related to rainfall in Iran over the past half century (1957–2007) were retrieved from APHRODITE database in order to analyze the spatial-temporal variations of precipitation. The statistical test performed on the collected data included spatial auto-correlation, global Moran’s index, local Moran’s index, and hotspots. The results obtained showed that the precipitation variation in Iran followed a high clustering pattern. More specifically, the results of the local Moran’s index and hotspot analysis performed on the data revealed that the precipitation along the Caspian Sea coast and western and southwestern parts of the country had a positive spatial auto-correlation while the precipitation variation in some parts of the central Iran and along the coastline of the country showed a negative spatial auto-correlation. Moreover, the findings of the present study showed that the climate change continued during the decades under study, with clustering patterns of precipitation moving from the southern parts of the country upward towards the coastal regions of the Caspian Sea and the regions in the outskirt of Zagros Mountains.     

A dual-isotope approach to the nitrogen hydrochemistry of an urban aquifer

The potential for exploitation of urban aquifers is partly dependent on understanding the distribution and fate of urban N sources, such as sewage and fertilisers, that can limit the use of groundwater for public supplies. To investigate the application of the dual-isotope approach to understanding the N hydrochemistry of urban groundwater, this paper presents δ¹⁵N–NO₃⁻ and δ¹⁸O–NO₃⁻ data collected from two multi-level piezometers in the Sherwood sandstone aquifer beneath Nottingham in the English Midlands, UK. At one multi-level piezometer (Old Basford), depth sample measurements of δ¹⁵N–NO₃⁻ in the range +9.2 to +11.4 ‰ and δ¹⁸O–NO₃⁻ in the range +8.2 to +10.9‰, together with NO₃⁻ nitrate concentrations from 31.7 to 66.7 mg/l, are evidence for nitrification of sewage-derived inputs. In contrast, at the other multi-level piezometer (the Meadows), isotopically enriched samples (δ¹⁵N–NO₃⁻ in the range +24.3 to +42.2 ‰ and δ¹⁸O–NO₃⁻ in the range +20.5 to +29.4‰) are evidence for denitrification, although the compositional range of δ¹⁵N–NO₃⁻ does not identify the N source without corroborating data. For the Meadows location, a cross-plot of δ¹⁵N–NO₃⁻ versus δ¹⁸O–NO₃⁻ gave an enrichment of the ¹⁵N isotope relative to the ¹⁸O isotope by a factor of 1.9, within the range of 1.3–2.1 reported for denitrification in other studies. This study has shown that the dual-isotope approach provides improved understanding of N sources and fate in the urban environment but further work is required to identify nitrification pathways to provide more confidence in the application and interpretation of δ¹⁸O–NO₃⁻ measurements.     

城市部件调查方法的探讨

建立城市地理信息空间数据库和各种专业数据库是实现城市数字化管理的前提保证,而如何高效、快速、准确的获取城市基础设施的空间数据和属性数据则成为城市数字化建设的当务之急。     

Composite methodology for interpreting sediment transport pathways from spatial trends in grain size: A case study of the Lithuanian coast

To achieve a more robust interpretation of sediment conditions and transport based on grain size, this study combines the perspectives of two different interpretation techniques that have been developed separately and applied in the literature: (i) ‘grain size trend analysis’ interprets changes between interrelated sampling sites assuming that sediment in the direction of transport should become either coarser, better sorted and more positively skewed, or finer, better sorted and more negatively skewed; and (ii) the ‘population anomalies’ method, which estimates the balance between erosion and accumulation processes at each sampling site based on individual site deviations compared with average values for grain‐size parameters in the area of interest. The simultaneous use of both approaches enables sedimentological conditions and transport alternatives to be distinguished. This improvement is necessary because site‐specific changes and general textural trends provide information that complements the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective. The methods are implemented here using two‐dimensional Geographic Information System tools and illustrated for the Lithuanian coast. Grain‐size characteristics of 712 surface samples of sandy sediments are used to interpret sediment transport pathways and predominant sedimentological conditions in the Lithuanian coastal zone. In general, coast‐parallel sediment transport dominates the entire investigation area, although wave‐induced movement perpendicular to the coastline is inferred in the shallow nearshore zone. The deepest areas offshore are characterized by sea floor erosion in the north, whereas an accumulation zone occurs in the relatively deep central part of the study area.     

A computational procedure to assess the distribution of constriction sizes for an assembly of spheres

The effectiveness of filters to counteract internal erosion in earth structures is particularly related to their ability to capture fine particles moving under seepage flow through the porous material. More precisely, fine particles are likely to be trapped by the narrowest paths between pores: the constrictions. This paper proposes a methodology to compute the constriction size distribution of model granular filters taking into account the relative density of the material. The approach is based upon probabilistic methods which adopt stated simple geometric packing arrangements to represent the solid structure in the extreme density states. Two new models are proposed for the design of the constriction size distribution according to the type of filter grading: continuously graded or gap-graded materials. The models require the usual material characteristics: the grading curve, and the minimum and maximum void ratios for this material. Calibrated on the basis of statistical analyses over numerical assemblies of spheres generated by a discrete element method, the proposed new models constitute a promising tool to significantly improve the modeling of filtration processes in granular materials.     

A spatial perspective for predicting enrollment in a regional pharmacy school

Having the ability to predict enrollment is an important task for any school’s recruiting team. The purpose of this study was to identify significant factors that can be used to predict the spatial distribution of enrollments. As a case study, we used East Tennessee State University (ETSU) pharmacy school, a regional pharmacy school located in the Appalachian Mountains. Through the application of a negative binomial regression model, we found that the most important indicators of enrollment volume for the ETSU pharmacy school were Euclidean distance, probability (based on competing pharmacy schools’ prestige, driving distance between schools and home and tuition costs), and the natural barrier of the Appalachian Mountains. Using these factors, together with other control variables, we successfully predicted the spatial distribution of enrollments for ETSU pharmacy school. Interestingly, gender also surfaced as a variable for predicting the pharmacy school’s enrollment. We found female students are more sensitive to the geographic proximity of home to school.     

An integrated methodology to assess future water resources under land use and climate change: an application to the Tahadart drainage basin (Morocco)

The assessment of freshwater resources in a drainage basin is not only dependent on its hydrologic parameters but also on the socio-economic system driving development in the watershed area; the socio-economic aspect, that is often neglected in hydrologic studies, is one of the novelties of this study. The aim of this paper is twofold: (1) presenting an integrated working methodology and (2) studying a local case of a North African watershed where scarce field data are available. Using this integrated methodology, the effects of climate and land use change on the water resources and the economic development of the Tahadart drainage basin in Northern Morocco have been evaluated. Water salinization, tourism, urbanization, and water withdrawals are a threat to water resources that will increase with future climate change. The Tahadart Basin (Morocco 1,145 km²) is characterized by rain-fed agriculture and by the presence of two water retention basins. Assessment of the effects of climate and land use change on this drainage basin was based on current and future land cover maps obtained from spatial interactions models, climate data (current and future; scenario A1b for the period 2080–2100), and hydrological models for water budget calculations. Land use suitability maps were designed assuming a A1b Special Report on Emissions Scenarios socio-economic development scenario. The most important conclusions for the period 2080–2100 are the following: (1) Freshwater availability within the watershed will likely be affected by a strong increase in evaporation from open water surface bodies due to increased temperature. This increase in evaporation will limit the amount of freshwater that can be stored in the surface reservoirs. (2) Sea level rise will cause flooding and salinization of the coastal area. (3) The risk for drought in winter is likely to increase. The methodology used in this paper is integrated into a decision support tool that is used to quantify change in land use and water resources.     

Resilience and organisational institutionalism from a cross-cultural perspective: an exploration based on urban climate change adaptation in Vietnam

Resilience theory has gained considerable prominence with regard to the management of social-ecological systems and more recently climate change adaptation. Yet, how resilience is precisely understood, how its institutionalisation works and how organisations can operationalise principles for achieving resilience often remains vague. Therefore, the paper explores how institutional and organisational theory can enhance the understanding on resilience. Linking organisational institutionalism to resilience theory, the paper analyses in particular how resilience thinking can diffuse and translate into organisational action, and which challenges and barriers may exist. Empirical research on formal urban climate change adaptation in Vietnam is used to explore the important role of distinctive institutional features in a given culture, region or sector for shaping this process. It is argued that such context-specific institutional framework conditions are often underemphasised, thereby, hampering the transferability as well as operationalisation and implementation of resilience propositions. Relevant aspects include epistemological, ontological and normative dimensions. Linking the case study to neoinstitutional theory, recommendations are developed for increasing the intercultural transferability of resilience thinking into organisational practices.     

Flood damage assessment of an urban area in Chennai, India, part I: methodology

Floods are random phenomena that not only cause damage to the lives, natural resources and the environment, but also affect the health of people. The severity of flooding tends to increase with urbanization. Socio-economic impacts of floods depend on the area, duration and depth of inundation, population density, housing typology, construction materials of dwellings, etc. This article examines the different available methods to trace the flood damage and illustrates the methodology to explore the economic loss through social investigation in Velachery, a part of urban Chennai in India. This paper is Part I of a two-part series in which the objectives and methodology are discussed. Based on the objectives and methodology developed for the study, a comprehensive flood management strategy can be proposed for the efficient management of future flood disasters. The results of the study are discussed in Part II.     

Effects of microtopography on the spatial pattern of woody species in West Iran

Habitat heterogeneity is a main factor determining the geographical distribution of species. For plant and particularly trees and shrubs, topography (microtopography) is an applicable predictor of habitat, slope, and aspect that often correlate with distribution of water and nutrients availability and spatial pattern of species. However, there is lack on exploring this relationship in different plant communities through different environments. In this research, the spatial pattern of woody species in relation to microtopography was investigated in Chahartagh forest, Chahar Mahal, and Bakhtiari province, Iran. The location of the trees and shrubs of a 53-ha forest reserve in Chartagh was measured and the type of microtopography including (i) slope A without microtopography and (ii) slope B composed of three microtopography types: crest (degree of tilt is≥60%), intermediate area (30–40%), and gully (10–20%) were recorded. The effects of microtopography on the spatial pattern of species were analyzed using O-ring statistic. The results showed that the main distribution pattern for the woodiest species in the study area in all platforms is aggregated pattern, while for larger scales, the pattern tended to become random. Also, the pattern was strongly influenced by the scale that the distribution type was assessed. From the other hand, our results revealed that for steeper platforms, the patterns tend to be more aggregated which indicates the non-uniformity of water and nutrition distribution in steeper platforms. Also, this can be a result of seed distribution behavior which is affected by microtopography in a way that in steep platforms, rolling of the seed results in patchy accumulation of the seeds and finally patchy regeneration.     

The spatial shopping behaviour of the urban elderly: A review of the literature

The spatial shopping behaviour of the urban elderly has received increasing attention from researchers in a variety of disciplines including geography, marketing, city planning, and social gerontology. Relevant literature from these diverse sources is reviewed within an organizational framework based on two ‘behavioural’ approaches to retail geography: ‘empirical-behavioural’ and ‘cognitive-behavioural’. Overall, the research findings suggest that the elderly represent a distinctive consumer segment with special problems and needs. In particular, many older shoppers are subject to a wide variety of mobility constraints which ultimately restrict their access to shopping opportunities. However, some work has discovered important differences in the spatial behaviours of subgroups of elderly consumers defined on the basis of such characteristics as health, age, household composition, marital status, income level, and residential location. It is suggested that further research needs to explore more fully how these characteristics may impose variable personal and environmental constraints upon the shopping activities of the urban elderly.