Array optimisation for multichannel electrical resistivity tomography instruments

In recent years there has been considerable research into the selection of near-optimal arrays of electrode configurations that enhance the resolution of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) images. Several algorithms have been developed that select resistivity measurements based on their contribution to the cumulative sensitivity of the array (Furman et al., 2004; Hennig and Weller, 2005) or its model resolution matrix (Stummer et al. , 2004; Wilkinson et al., 2006a; 2006b). Homogeneous subsurface resistivity distributions were assumed for these studies, although better results can be obtained using the same algorithms if the resistivity distribution is known a priori (Anthansiou, 2006). When compared to standard arrays, such as dipole-dipole or Wenner- Schlumberger, optimised arrays can substantially improve the resolution of the ERT image for the same number of measurements (Wilkinson et al., 2006b). The driver for researching array optimisation techniques has been the development of computer controlled ERT systems that can address arbitrary combinations of current and potential electrodes. Unfortunately all the published optimisation algorithms share a problem that is likely to impede their wider use: the arrays that they produce are inherently ‘single channel’ (SC). Since they do not take advantage of the multichannel (MC) capability of modern ERT instruments, the optimised arrays that they produce are rather inefficient to use compared to many standard arrays that are well suited to MC operation. However, we have developed a simple extension that constrains our previous algorithm to choose near-optimal configurations that also fit well into a MC measurement scheme. This extension could easily be adapted to work with the other optimisation schemes cited above

Measuring the Discrepancy Between Current and Ideal Spiritual and Religious Functioning in Problem Drinkers

The idea that spiritual and religious functioning (SRF) is associated with alcohol misuse is generally supported, but problems with typical research methods limit the utility of findings. Problems in SRF were conceptualized as discrepancies between current and ideal SRF. Two separate studies were conducted to develop and evaluate a scale to measure the subjective importance and adequacy of aspects of SRF that seem to be associated with alcohol problems. The 1st study suggested that a questionnaire developed to evaluate self-reported ratings of current and ideal SRF is both internally consistent and temporally stable. In the 2nd study, the questionnaire was administered to persons seeking treatment for alcohol problems and persons who indicated that they had never sought treatment for an alcohol problem. Results indicate that those with a drinking problem were more likely to report substantial discrepancies between current and ideal SRF, supporting the validity of the measure as an indicator of problems in SRF. The usefulness of this method for treatment and research is discussed

Urban Biodiversity Experience and Exposure: Intervention and Inequality at the Local and Global Scale

As cities expand globally, researchers must clarify how human activities and institutions shape biodiversity and conversely, how ecological processes shape human outcomes. Two features of contemporary cities motivate this thesis. First, urban residents, and especially children, are spending less time in nature and consequently, miss out on healthy and formative experiences with biodiversity. Second, residents with the least access to biodiversity tend to be those with the lowest socioeconomic status (SES). Together, these patterns convey a multi-layered environmental injustice: not only might urbanites become increasingly estranged from biodiversity, disinterested from its conservation, and disconnected from its benefits, but these outcomes may be most acute in communities already suffering from inequality in terms of exposure to hazards or limited economic opportunity. The first chapter explores how children’s behaviors and interests change after learning about animal habitats first-hand in an environmental education program. I conducted an evaluation of the ECOS program in Springfield, Massachusetts, in which I surveyed elementary school students about their memories of ECOS and their related environmental behaviors. Students with parents or peers that had participated in ECOS were more likely to repeat or discuss program activities after the program’s end. Findings will aid educators in Springfield and beyond in improving program impacts and sustainability. The second chapter explains under what conditions socioeconomic inequality becomes linked with biodiversity. I conducted a meta-analysis of published research that assessed SES-biodiversity relationships in 34 cities using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis. I evaluated the contributions of study design and city-level conditions in shaping SES-biodiversity relationships for various taxonomic groups. The meta-analysis highlighted the contributions of residential and municipal decisions in differentially promoting biodiversity along socioeconomic lines. Further, we identified circumstances in which inequality in biodiversity was ameliorated or negated by urban form, social policy, or collective human preference. Findings will aid researchers and managers in understanding human drivers of biodiversity in their cities and how access to biodiversity may be unequally distributed. In sum, this thesis advances our knowledge about how biodiversity is structured in cities, who gets to experience it, and how such experiences influence our behaviors and interests

Alien Registration- Kuras, Mary (Millinocket, Penobscot County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/8150/thumbnail.jp

TATA KELOLA PEMERINTAHAN PUSAT DALAM PENGEMBANGAN KABUPATEN TAPANULI UTARA

Riset ini bermaksud untuk mengevaluasi apakah pengembangan Kabupaten Tapanuli Utara yang terletak di Provinsi Sumatera Utara berhasil atau tidak ditinjau dari analisis laporan keuangan pemerintah daerah dari 8 aspek pengukuran antara lain: Proporsi Otonomi Finansial Daerah, Proporsi Ketidakmandirian Finansial Daerah, Proporsi Ukuran Desentralisasi Fiskal,  Proporsi Keefektifan PAD, Proporsi Keefisienan PAD, Proporsi Keefektifan Pajak Daerah, Proporsi Keefisienan Pajak Daerah dan Proporsi Ukuran Sumbangan BUMD. Riset ini adalah riset deskriptif kuantitatif dengan Subjek Riset informasi Finansial pemerintah daerah selama tahun 2013-2020, dan objek riset Informasi Realisasi Anggaran, Neraca, dan Informasi Rincian Penerimaan PAD Kabupaten. Teknik pengumpulan data yang dipakai adalah metode dokumentasi.  Teknik  analisis  data  yang dipakai adalah analisis proporsi finansial. Hasil riset menunjukkan, dari 8 (delapan) proporsi pengukuran analisis laporan keuangan pemerintahan daerah terdapat kabupaten Pakpak Barat mengalami kegagalan dalam pengembangan ditinjau 5 (lima) proporsi yaitu Proporsi Otonomi Finansial Daerah, Proporsi Ketidakmandirian Finansial Daerah, Proporsi Ukuran Desentralisasi Fiskal,  Proporsi Keefisienan PAD, Proporsi Keefisienan Pajak Daerah, sedangkan kabupaten Toba hanya memiliki kelemahan pada Proporsi Ukuran Desentralisasi Fiskal, Kabupaten Humbang Hasundutan hanya lemah pada Proporsi Keefektifan PAD sedangkan Kabupaten Samori lemah dari Proporsi Ukuran Sumbangan BUMD, berarti bisa diambil kesimpulannya secara keseluruhan pemerintah pusat telah berhasil melakukan pengembangan Kabupaten Tapanuli Utara

Detroit Food Metrics Report 2018

This report provides a snapshot of data and information on Detroit’s food system as well as trends over time. The report includes a broad range of programs and initiatives that local organizations, the Detroit Food Policy Council, and the City of Detroit are undertaking to address food insecurity, increase healthy food access and awareness, and support a more sustainable and just food system