OPTIMIZATION IN ORGANIC SYNTHESIS.AN APPROACH TO OBTAINING KINETIC INFORMATION BY SEQUENTIAL RESPONSE SURFACE MODELLING.OUTLINE OF THE PRINCIPLES

A method is presented by which it is possible to estimate the initial rate of chemical reactions when theexperimental conditions are varied according to a response surface design.The method is intended as acomplementary method for analysing data obtained from experiments in synthetic chemistry when theobjective is to optimize the yield of the reaction.Data obtained by simulations have been used to develop the method.From the simulated reactions itis shown that sequential analysis of the chemical yield of the reaction makes it possible to estimate modelswhich describe how the parameters of the response surface of the yield vary over time.The derivativesof these time functions of the response surface parameters can be used to define a rate function whichdescribes how the variations in the experimental conditions influence the rate of the reaction.It is shown how such rate functions can be used to afford reasonable estimates of the initial rates ofthe reaction.The initial reaction rates thus estimated can be used to determine the kinetic order of thereactants and also to provide estimates of the activation energy of the reaction.A thorough discussion of how canonical analysis of the rate function may assist in the elucidation ofreaction mechanisms is given.     

The ambivalent nature of biodiversity: Scientists' perspectives on the Norwegian Nature Index

The Norwegian Nature Index is intended to provide an overview of the state of biodiversity in Norway. From the perspective of the sociology of knowledge, the author explores how biologists make sense of biodiversity and how they identify scientific uncertainty in the context of the Nature Index. Anchoring and themata are employed as tools for analysis in the investigation of scientists' representation of the Nature Index and its subject matter, namely biodiversity. In-depth interviews indicated that most of the scientists perceived the results as intuitively sound, but they also revealed an outspoken ambivalence about compressing complex ecological relationships into standardized numbers. In covering both natural and cultural landscapes as habitats for biodiversity, there seems to be a symbolic mismatch between the operationalization of biodiversity in the index and the intuitive anchoring of biodiversity as ‘untouched’ nature. Hence, the thematizing of the divide between the untouched and what is human may be seen as a form of conceptual uncertainty underlying the Nature Index.     

水稻发育期模型研究进展

物候是气候变化的重要指示物.随着全球变化研究的开展,已经有越来越多的研究表明,随着气象条件的变化,植物的物候期发生了明显的变化,因此,对物候的精准模拟可以帮助我们准确理解作物对全球变化的响应机制,强大的物候模型已经逐渐成为提高植物对气候变化响应的模拟精度的一个关键工具.同时作物物候的模拟也是作物模型的一个重要组成部分.水稻是最重要的粮食作物之一,水稻发育期模型研究对水稻生长模型有着重要的意义.本文对国内外水稻发育模型的发展进行了综述,并提出了目前水稻发育期模型研究中存在的问题以及发展的方向,以期后续的水稻发育期模型乃至作物模型的研究提供借鉴.     

利用约束性CA制定城市增长边界

作为控制城市蔓延的重要工具之一,城市增长边界(UGBs)已经在国际学术界得到了广泛的关注和研究。从控制机制来看,由于规划城镇建设用地边界具有控制城市增长的法律地位,与西方国家的UGBs较为相似,因而可以被视为中国特有的一种UGBs。该边界的制定在我国经过了长期的实践,然而以往的方法往往缺乏充分的科学依据。因此,本文提出一种基于约束性元胞自动机来制定城市增长边界的方法,该方法考虑了城市发展的综合因素,能够较为客观、全面地反映城市增长的时空动态变化过程,并能体现众多城市发展政策的影响效果。利用约束性元胞自动机模型,以北京市域为研究区域,制定了中心城、新城和乡镇三个层次的UGBs。实证分析表明,利用该方法与传统方法所制定的UGBs存在一定的差异,因此在拟定新的UGBs或改进现有的UGBs过程中,应当充分考虑这一情况,参考该方法的模拟结果建立更为科学合理的UGBs。     

Classification through consultation: public views of the geography of the e-Society

Although viewed by business and commerce as successful solutions, geodemographic profiling of neighbourhoods has attracted wide-ranging criticism in the academic literature. This paper addresses some specific concerns that arise because the derivation of classifications is rarely transparent and open to scrutiny or challenge. The substantive focus of the research reported in this paper is a nationwide geodemographic classification of how people engage with new information and communication technologies (ICTs). In response to the critique of geodemographics as a ‘black box’ technology, we describe how the classification was opened up to public scrutiny and how we conducted a major consultation exercise into the reliability of its results. We assess the message of the 50,000+ searches and 3952 responses collected during the consultation exercise, in terms of possible systematic errors in the shape and detail of the classification. Unusually for Internet-based surveys, we also investigate the likely reliability of the response information received and identify ways in which the outcome of consultation might be used to improve the classification. We believe that this is the first-ever large-scale consultation survey of the validity and remit of a geodemographic classification and that it may have wider implications for the creation of geodemographic classifications.     

平面冰层覆盖下水中声传播损失特性分析

理论计算了冰层的声波反射系数,分析了平面冰层覆盖下水中声传播损失特性。将冰层视作平面覆盖层,建立了"空气-冰层-水"结构的冰层反射物理模型,结合冰中的物理声学参数,得到冰层反射系数;利用Bellhop海洋声学传播模型得到冰层覆盖下声场的传播损失,对比分析了传播损失与声波频率、声源深度的关系;结合冰层反射系数计算结果,解释了冰下信道具有频率选择性的原因。结果表明,冰层覆盖下声场传播具有明显的频率选择性,这种频率选择性是由声波频率和冰层厚度共同决定的。     

分布式水文模型全局敏感性高效分析方法研究(英文)

Sensitivity analysis of hydrological model is the key for model uncertainty quantification. However, how to effectively validate model and identify the dominant parameters for distributed hydrological models is a bottle-neck to achieve parameters optimization. For this reason, a new approach was proposed in this paper, in which the support vector machine was used to construct the response surface at first. Then it integrates the SVM-based response surface with the Sobol’ method, i.e. the RSMSobol’ method, to quantify the parameter sensitivities. In this work, the distributed time-variant gain model (DTVGM) was applied to the Huaihe River Basin, which was used as a case to verify its validity and feasibility. We selected three objective functions (i.e. water balance coefficient WB, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient NS, and correlation coefficient RC) to assess the model performance as the output responses for sensitivity analysis. The results show that the parameters g1 and g2 are most important for all the objective functions, and they are almost the same to that of the classical approach. Furthermore, the RSMSobol method can not only achieve the quantification of the sensitivity, and also reduce the computational cost, with good accuracy compared to the classical approach. And this approach will be effective and reliable in the global sensitivity analysis for a complex modelling system.     

花岗岩不同土地利用类型坡地水土流失特征*

利用福建省安溪水土保持试验站的实测资料,对花岗岩不同土地利用类型坡地的水土流失特征进行了初步研究,试验结果说明,坡地只要有一定的植被覆盖和适当的坡地工程,水土流失均可得到控制.松耕使坡耕地土壤侵蚀力急剧下降,必须加强夏季园面覆盖.建议利用USLE进行土壤侵蚀预测时,未扰动自然课露坡地C取值0.1-0.3.实测结果显示,香根草带和牧草覆盖均有良好的保持水土效益,与山边沟工程结合,可以在较陡坡地果园开发中替代梯田台地进行推广.     

Modelling landscape evolution on geological time scales: a new method based on irregular spatial discretization

We present simulations of large-scale landscape evolution on tectonic time scales obtained from a new numerical model which allows for arbitrary spatial discretization. The new method makes use of efficient algorithms from the field of computational geometry to compute the set of natural neighbours of any irregular distribution of points in a plane. The natural neighbours are used to solve geomorphic equations that include erosion/deposition by channelled flow and diffusion. The algorithm has great geometrical flexibility, which makes it possible to solve problems involving complex boundaries, radially symmetrical uplift functions and horizontal tectonic transport across strike-slip faults. The algorithm is also ideally suited for problems which require large variations in spatial discretization and/or self-adaptive meshing. We present a number of examples to illustrate the power of the new approach and its advantages over more 'classical' models based on regular (rectangular) discretization. We also demonstrate that the synthetic river networks and landscapes generated by the model obey the laws of network composition and have scaling properties similar to those of natural landscapes. Finally we explain how orographically controlled precipitation and flexural isostasy may be easily incorporated in the model without sacrificing efficiency.
     

An Innovative Method of Model Integration to Forecast Spatial Patterns of Shoreline Change: A Case Study of Nags Head,North Carolina*

Many coastal erosion models are designed to be used at transects or discrete points but they produce valid results only for locations that meet a set of well-defined criteria. Results obtained from these models are difficult to generalize, since adjoining areas may not meet these requirements. In this paper, a GIS-based methodology is described for combining the results from two two-dimensional coastal erosion models and a three-dimensional static inundation model to forecast the possible response of a coastline to several alternative sea level rise scenarios. These shoreline forecasts are unique in that they integrate results obtained from several different models and allow graphical representations of these alternative future shorelines to be produced. Coastal planners may use these integrated shoreline forecasts to assess the possible impact of sea level rise on a given region. To demonstrate this methodology a case study was conducted for Nags Head, North Carolina.     

Spatio-temporal analysis of territorial changes from a multi-scale perspective

The full integration of time dimensions in GIS still represents a research challenge. A number of systems provide ways to visualise harmonised timestamped geographical data onto maps, with interpolated curves representing how these data have changed over time. However, these systems frequently mask the concerns linked to changes in territorial organisations and the harmonisation of data. In fact, the development of a territory should be considered in connection with its neighbourhood, governance and genealogy relationships. This article focuses on the difficulties linked with the ‘change of support problem’, which can arise when conducting spatio-temporal analysis of data. First, we present a data model handling the changing relationships between territories. Then, we illustrate how this model can be instantiated using examples that have taken place in Europe. We show how the model can address questions such as that of change blindness. Finally, we explain how hierarchical and genealogical relationships can be used inside an interactive cartographic tool for spatio-temporal analysis. It provides various views of the same phenomena at multiple scales, through an approach that takes into account the changes in territorial organisation.     

基于地形特征的流域水文相似性

流域地形控制着地表径流的路径和累积水量的空间分布。地形指数ln(a/tanβ)反映了径流在流域中任一点的累积趋势以及重力使径流顺坡移动的趋势,流域地形可以用地形指数的空间分布来表示。地形指数可用作水文相似性指数,即具有相同地形指数的点对降雨具有相同的水文响应。TOPMODEL利用地形指数频率分布计算流域径流过程,可以认为:具有相同地形指数频率分布的流域具有水文相似性。分析认为长江流域上游的沿渡河流域与香溪河流域具有水文相似性,利用香溪河流域率定的模型参数计算的沿渡河流域径流过程,与实测过程拟合较好     

WHAT'S IN A NAME? LINGUISTICS,GEOGRAPHY, AND TOPONYMS*

In differing ways, linguistics and geography each observes that a name's significance is connected to a society. According to lexical theory, a word is arbitrary: Its sound and meaning have no intrinsic link; its function is grammatical. Names are, however, special words. We bestow names based on how they sound or on what they may already have come to represent; names are not arbitrary. In turn, toponyms are special names, and as example we discuss a specific one, “New Orleans.” Far from an arbitrary pairing of form and meaning, this toponym reveals that names reflect the experience of the people who use them.     

Spatial distribution patterns of wetland plants in relation to environmental gradient in the Honghe National Nature Reserve, Northeast China

Quantifying correlation between the spatial patterns of natural wetland plants and environmental gradient gives better understanding of wetland habitats, which is the fundamental for the strategy making on the protection and restoration of natural wetlands. In this study, the spatial patterns of wetland plants and the environmental gradient of wetland habitats were assessed in the Honghe National Nature Reserve (HNNR) in Northeast China, a wetland of international importance on the Ramsar list. Biophysical parameters' values of wetland plants were obtained by field sampling methods, and wetland mapping at the community scale was completed using remote sensing techniques. Digital delineation of the surface water system, hydrological zoning and wetness index were produced by spatial analysis methods in Geographic Information System. An ecological ordination method and two clustering methods were used to quantify the relationship between the spatial distribution patterns of wetland plants and the corresponding environmental gradients. Such quantitative analyses also present the specific diversity of different types of wetland plants based on the environmental attributes of their habitats. With the support from modern geo-information techniques, the experimental results indicate how four ecotypes of wetland plants spatially transit from forest swamp, shrub wetland and meadow into marsh wetland with increasing wetness index and water table. And they also show how wetland spatial distribution patterns are controlled by an environmental gradient of wetness. Another key finding of this research work is that our results present the exact fundamental differences between marsh and non-marsh plants of 11 wetland plant communities within the core study area. Hence, this case study gives a good sample for better understanding of the complex correlation between the spatial patterns of wetland plants and their environmental attributes using advanced digital analysis methods. It is also useful to show how to integrate geoinformatic techniques with statistical analysis methods based on the field data base.     

Forthcoming events

Abstract

This is the second of two papers which elaborates a framework for embedding urban models within GIS. In the first paper (Batty and Xie 1994), we outlined how the display functions of a proprietary GIS could be used to organize a series of external software modules which contained the central elements of the modelling process, namely dataset selection and analysis, and model specification, calibration, and prediction. In that paper, we dwelt on display and data analysis functions whereas here we outline the model-based functions of the system. We begin by reviewing residential location models based on population density theory, stating continuous and discrete model forms, and calibration methods. We then illustrate a pass through the software using data for the Buffalo urban region, showing how observed data and model estimates can be evaluated through graphic display. We present ways in which the system can be used to explore and fit a variety of models to different zoning systems and in so doing, show how subset selection and aggregation can be used to find models with good fit. Finally we draw conclusions and outline an agenda for further research.     

Spatial video data collection in a post-disaster landscape: The Tuscaloosa Tornado of April 27th 2011

Fine scale disaster response and recovery data suitable for spatial analysis are still relatively rare. This is unfortunate as insight into spatial patterns of recovery could be invaluable in predicting the reestablishment of homes, streets and neighborhoods. The purpose of this paper is to show how fine scale geographic data can be collected in near real-time for the intermediate phase between response and recovery. These data will initially be used to assess the degree of damage (with relation to the Enhanced F scale) while also establishing a baseline for subsequent recovery monitoring. A spatial video system is used to collect data from the post-disaster landscape of Tuscaloosa which was hit by a large tornado in April 2011. This video, once processed, can be viewed within a Geographic Information System which combines street-level images with exact location. These data can be used to support ongoing recovery efforts, while also archiving a dataset suitable for the spatial analysis of the changing post-disaster landscape.     

中国东北红河国家级自然保护区湿地植被空间格局与环境梯度关系(英文)

Quantifying correlation between the spatial patterns of natural wetland plants and environmental gradient gives better understanding of wetland habitats, which is the fundamental for the strategy making on the protection and restoration of natural wetlands. In this study, the spatial patterns of wetland plants and the environmental gradient of wetland habitats were assessed in the Honghe National Nature Reserve (HNNR) in Northeast China, a wetland of international importance on the Ramsar list. Biophysical parameters’ values of wetland plants were obtained by field sampling methods, and wetland mapping at the community scale was completed using remote sensing techniques. Digital delineation of the surface water system, hydrological zoning and wetness index were produced by spatial analysis methods in Geographic Information System. An ecological ordination method and two clustering methods were used to quantify the relationship between the spatial distribution patterns of wetland plants and the corresponding environmental gradients. Such quantitative analyses also present the specific diversity of different types of wetland plants based on the environmental attributes of their habitats. With the support from modern geo-information techniques, the experimental results indicate how four ecotypes of wetland plants spatially transit from forest swamp, shrub wetland and meadow into marsh wetland with increasing wetness index and water table. And they also show how wetland spatial distribution patterns are controlled by an environmental gradient of wetness. Another key finding of this research work is that our results present the exact fundamental differences between marsh and non-marsh plants of 11 wetland plant communities within the core study area. Hence, this case study gives a good sample for better understanding of the complex correlation between the spatial patterns of wetland plants and their environmental attributes using advanced digital analysis methods. It is also useful to show how to integrate geoinformatic techniques with statistical analysis methods based on the field data base.     

小城镇信息图谱初探

小城镇建设将成为我国农村经济发展的一种重要模式。为了引导小城镇的可持续发展,有必要对小城镇演变的内在规律作深入研究。运用“图谱”的表达方式和GIS分析工具,从小城镇图谱的基本构成要素入手,对小城镇的群体空间、外部形态和内部结构的演变规律进行了探讨。并以泰州市城镇群、兰溪市永昌镇为例,作了实证研究。研究表明,采用图谱的表达方式有助于我们对城镇发展进行了历史总结、规律挖掘,客观地把握城镇的发展阶段,从而了解不同时期城镇工作的重点,以有的放矢地采取措施,部署长远规划。     

Analysis of potential field data in the wavelet domain

Various Green's functions occurring in Poisson potential field theory can be used to construct non-orthogonal, non-compact, continuous wavelets. Such a construction leads to relations between the horizontal derivatives of geophysical field measurements at all heights, and the wavelet transform of the zero height field. The resulting theory lends itself to a number of applications in the processing of potential field data. Some simple, synthetic examples in two dimensions illustrate one inversion approach based upon the maxima of the wavelet transform (multiscale edges). These examples are presented to illustrate, by way of explicit demonstration, the information content of the multiscale edges. We do not suggest that the methods used in these examples be taken literally as a practical algorithm or inversion technique. Rather, we feel that the real thrust of the method is towards physically based, spatially local filtering of geophysical data images using Green's function wavelets, or compact approximations thereto. To illustrate our first steps in this direction, we present some preliminary results of a 3-D analysis of an aeromagnetic survey.     

Promoting social justice and conserving montane forest environments: a case study of Nepal's community forestry programme

This paper analyses participatory forest policy and the ways it has influenced the relationships between people as it relates to the forest resource management. This case study was conducted in the middle hills of Nepal, and information was collected through direct observation, individual interviews, group discussion and secondary information analysis. It substantiates a few examples of how the community forestry programme can be used as a means to promote the participation of the women, the poor and dalit (untouchables) in forest resource management, as well as enhancing social justice and improving the forest resources in their locality. However, it also demonstrates that though the community forestry programme has a positive impact, it faces several constraints and challenges. The local Forest User Group is controlled by a few élites making the poor and disadvantaged vulnerable to further marginalization. The results of the case study strongly indicate that community forestry processes must address the political, economic and social needs of the forest users, and also provide a neutral platform on which the poor can present their cases.